IRLF 


B 


rES  AND 


WIS.  WAR  GOVERNORS 


IOONSIN  HISTOE' 


LIBRARY 

K&iVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
DAVIS 


CIVIL  WAR  MESSAGES  AND 
PROCLAMATIONS 


Governor  Alexander  W.   Randall 

From  a  photograph  taken  during  the  War 


WISCONSIN   HISTORY  COMMISSION:     REPRINTS,   No.    a 


CIVIL  WAR  MESSAGES  AND 

PROCLAMATIONS  OF  WISCONSIN 

WAR  GOVERNORS 


EDITED  BY  REUBEN  GOLD  THWA1TES 

IK  COLLABORATION   WITH    ASA   CuRRIER    TlLTON   AND   FREDERICK 


WISCONSIN  HISTORY  COMMISSION 
DECEMBER,    1912 


LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA" 


TWENTY-FIVE   HUNDRED   COPIES   PRINTED 


Copyright,  1912 

THE  WISCONSIN  HISTORY  COMMISSION 
(in  behalf  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin) 


Opinions  or  errors  of  fact  on  the  part  of  the  respective  authors  of  the  Commission's 

publications   (whether    Reprints  or   Original    Narratives)    have   not    been    modified    or 

corrected  by  the  Commission.  For  all  statements,  of  whatever  character,  the  Author 
alone  is  responsible. 


DEMOCRAT  PRINTING  CO.,  STATE  PRINTER 


WISCONSIN  HISTORY  COMMISSION 

(Organized  under  the  provisions  of  Chapter  298,  Laws  of   1905,  as  amended£by  Chapter 
378,  Laws  of  1907,  Chapter  445,  Laws  of  1909,  and  Chapter  628,  Laws  of  1911) 

FRANCIS  E.  McGovERN 

Governor  of  Wisconsin 

CHARLES  E.  ESTABROOK 

Representing  Department  of   Wisconsin,  Grand  Army 
of  the  Republic 

REUBEN  G.  THWAITES 

Superintendent  of  the  State  Historical  Society  of  Wis 
consin 

CARL  RUSSELL  FISH 

Professor  of  American  History  in  the  University  of  Wis 
consin  , 

MATTHEW  S.  DUDGEON  J  \  ', 

Secretary  of  the  Wisconsin  Library  Commission 


Chairman,  COMMISSIONER  ESTABROOK  <  ~J 

Secretary  and  Editor,  COMMISSIONER  THWAITES 
Committee  on  Publications,  COMMISSIONERS  THWAITES  AND 

FISH 

[v] 


CONTENTS 


Page 

WISCONSIN  HISTORY  COMMISSION        -  V 

EDITOR'S  PREFACE  •  xiii 

EDITOR'S   PREFACE  ... 
MESSAGES    AND    PROCLAMATIONS 

Governor  Alexander   William   Randall,   1858-1862 

Biographical   sketch  1 

Annual   message,   January   15,   1858  ...  4 

Annual   message,  January   13,   1859  -  14 

Annual   message,   January  12,  1860  15 

Special   message,   March   7,   1860     -  -  27 

Annual   message,  January   10,   1861  •  29 

Attempts    to    compromise     -  -            •  45 

An   appeal   for   funds  -                       -  47 

Four    proclamations    -  -  48 

Regimental    assignments        -  •  52 

Special  message,    May    9,   1861        •  •  53 

Military    disbursements  •  64 

The  war  establishment  •  67 

Another  call  for  troops  70 

Wisconsin  men  for  Wisconsin  regiments  •  •  74 

Thanksgiving    proclamation  •  75 

No  additional  regiments   needed     -  78 

Expenditure  of  war  funds    -  -  80 
Governor  Louis  Powell  Harvey,  1862 

Biographical    sketch  -  -            -  89 

Annual   message,  January   10,   1862  •  92 

Health  of   the   regiments      -  -  103 

Claimants  of   extra   pay     ..-  •  104 

Claims  against  the  United   States  -  -  109 

Veto   message   -  •            •  HO 

Death  of  the   Governor  •  113 
Governor  Edward  Salomon,  1862-1864 

Biographical   sketch    -  ...  114 

Proclaiming   Governor  Harvey's   death      -  -            •  11(5 

An  appeal   to  volunteers       ...  117 

[vii] 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Special  message,  June  3,  1862  -            -            -  119 

Military    claims  ....  130 

Veto   message  ...  132 

Special  message,  September  10,  1862  -            -  135 

Appeal   to   the    legislature    -  -  144 

Thanksgiving   proclamation  -            -  146 

Draft  riots  rebuked  -            .            -  147 

Annual   message,  January  15,  1863                        -            -  152 

Information    refused  -            -            -  179 

Condition   of    Camp    Randall  -  180 

Sanitary    relief  -            -  isi 

The    draft  .            .            -  183 

Military    contingent    fund  -            -  189 

Civil  actions   against  solhiers  -  190 

Suffering    families       -  ...  192 

Miscellaneous  messages,  February-March,  1863  -  -  194 

Thanksgiving    proclamation  -  197 

Governor  James  Taylor  Lewis,  1864-1866 

Biographical  sketch    -  -  199 

Annual   message,   January   14,  1864                                     -  201 

Surgeons  ...  211 

Sanitary   agents  -  212 

Gettysburg   Cemetery     -  -        -  214 

Thanksgiving   proclamation  -  216 

Revising    enrollment    lists     -  -  217 

Annual   message,   January   12,  1865                                    -  221 

Thirteenth    Amendment  -  240 

Sick  and    wounded     -  -  241 

Gettysburg    Cemetery  -  245 

Stealing    recruits        -  -  246 

Surrender   of   Lee       -  -  247 

Peace    proclaimed        -  -  248 

Assassination   of   Lincoln      -  -  249 

Thanking  the   volunteers      -  251 

Thanksgiving    proclamation  -  252 

Negro   suffrage    in   Wisconsin  -  253 

Lewis's   contingent    fund       •  -  255 

Governor  Lucius  Fairchild,  1S66-1872 

Biographical   sketch    -  -  257 

Inaugural   ceremonies  -            -  260 

[  viii  ] 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Annual  message,  January  11,  1866  -  271 

Special  messages,  January-March,  1866 

Negro  suffrage  assured  -  283 

Annual  message,  January   10,   1867  •  286 

Annual  message    January  9,  1868    -  -  295 

Deserters  -  299 

Annual  message,   January   14,  1869  •  300 

Fifteenth    Amendment  -  •  302 

INDEX       -  .....  305- 


[ix] 


PORTRAITS 


Page 

Alexander   WilUam   Randall        -                                             Frontispiece 
Louis  Powell  Harvey        -                                                             -        89 
Edward    Salomon    -                                                                         -      114 
James  Taylor  Lewis                                                                       -      199 
Lucius  Fairchild 257 


EDITOR'S  PREFACE 

The  history  of  a  war  is  usually  deemed  complete  when  its 
compaigns  have  been  discussed,  its  field  operations  described,  its 
camp  life  portrayed,  and  the  deeds  of  its  heroes  set  forth  in 
song  and  story.  But  the  administrative  and  economic  side  of 
warfare  is  quite  as  worthy  of  consideration.  Nowhere  can  this 
better  be  studied  than  in  the  reports  and  other  state  papers  of 
those  administrative  officers  whose  duties  are  to  supply  troops 
and  funds  and  from  their  home  offices  to  keep  intact  the  ma 
chinery  of  civil  government.  Their  tasks  are  less  picturesque 
than  those  of  the  military  arm,  but  the  result  of  the  conflict  is 
as  often  determined  by  them  as  by  the  troops  on  the  firing  line. 

During  the  turmoil  of  our  Civil  War,  a  considerable  share  of 
the  responsibility  of  maintaining  the  credit  of  each  Northern 
Commonwealth,  fostering  its  economic  growth  and  prosperity, 
keeping  the  peace  at  home,  and  at  the  same  time  stoutly  aiding 
the  Federal  authorities  with  loans  of  money  and  contingents  of 
volunteers,  fell  on  the  chief  executive.  As  in  the  field,  heroes 
sprang  up  in  every  command,  so  in  civil  life  the  crisis  developed 
many  master  spirits  whose  energetic  work  in  their  line  of 
duty  ably  supplemented  that  of  the  generals. 

Wisconsin  was  particularly  fortunate  in  this  regard.  Her  five 
"War  Governors" — representing  in  themselves  both  the  native 
American  and  the  foreign  elements  of  our  diverse  population — • 
proved  to  be  men  whose  capacity  met  the  exigencies  of  the 
occasion.  Their  state  papers,  here  reprinted  from  the  obscure 
and  rarely  consulted  public  documents  of  the  period,  present  an 
epitome  of  the  glowing  story  of  Wisconsin 's  proud  share  in  the 
great  struggle.  In  interest  and  subject,  they  range  from  Randall 's 
calm,  but  deeply  earnest,  discussion  in  1858  of  the  wrongs  of 

[xiii] 


EDITOR'S  PREFACE 

slavery  and  the  evils  of  nullification,  to  Fairchild's  cordial  en 
dorsement  of  the  Fifteenth  Amendment  to  the  Federal  Constitu 
tion.  A  storehouse  of  facts,  they  are  as  well  an  adequate  ex 
pression  of  the  thoughts  and  sentiments  of  the  great  mass-  of 
our  people  during  the  long  struggle,  and  they  do  honor  to  the 
heart  and  brain  of  the  Commonwealth. 

The  brunt  of  active  preparations  for  the  war  fell  on  the 
shoulders  of  Governor  Randall.  An  ardent  member  of  the  Re 
publican  party,  he  was  in  full  sympathy  with  the  Lincoln  ad 
ministration.  His  papers  were  briefs  for  the  Northern  cause, 
which  he  discussed  in  oratorical  periods  whose  rotundity  amuses 
us  today,  but  such  was  the  literary  style  of  many  of  his  con 
temporaries  in  American  statecraft.  Nor  was  he  lacking  in 
logic  and  vigor  as  he  arraigned  before  the  bar  of  public  opinion 
the  purposes  and  methods  of  the  Southern  leaders. 

Randall  was  as  active  in  leadership  as  he  was  fluent  in  speech. 
The  energy  with  which  he  responded  to  the  President's  early 
calls  for  troops,  the  ability  and  resourcefulness  he  exhibited 
in  financing  and  organizing  Wisconsin's  military  establishment, 
and  his  quick  comprehension  of  military  needs,  soon  won  for 
him  a  national  reputation ;  he  became  one  of  the  most  enter 
prising  and  prominent  of  the  War  Governors  of  the  West. 

Retiring  from  his  high  office  at  the  close  of  1862,  Randall  left 
the  burden  of  sustaining  Wisconsin  during  the  continuance  of 
the  appalling  crisis,  to  his  former  Secretary  of  State — now 
his  successor,  Louis  P.  Harvey.  The  one  message  sent  by  the 
latter  to  the  Legislature,  showed  that  his  practical  training  in 
the  Secretary's  office  had  given  him  a  grasp  of  the  situation, 
and  his  ability  to  meet  it  was  unquestioned.  The  few  state 
papers  which  %e  wrote,  show  him  possessed  of  deep  human  sym 
pathies  ;  these  led  him  to  undertake  a  mission  of  helpfulness  to 
the  theatre  of  war,  which  ended  in  his  tragic  death  after  only 
four  months  in  the  executive  chair. 

The  duties  of  the  governorship  now  devolved  on  the  Lieuten- 
ant-Governor,  Edward  Salomon.  A  German  by  birth,  Salomon 

[xiv] 


EDITOR'S  PREFACE 

had  become  among  the  most  useful  and  patriotic  of  American 
citizens.  The  vigorous  efficiency  with  which  he  met  the  respon 
sibilities  suddenly  placed  upon  him,  merit  the  highest  praise. 
Throughout  his  administration,  the  war  in  the  South  was  a 
stern  business.  Wisconsin  was  in  a  tense  condition,  every  nerve 
and  muscle  strained  to  meet  the  shock.  Regiment  after  regi 
ment  was  recruited  within  our  borders,  organized,  trained,  and 
forwarded  to  the  front.  Aid  for  the  sick  and  wounded  was  so 
licited,  gathered,  and  dispatched  to  the  field  hospitals;  sol 
diers'  families  required  and  were  given  frequent  financial  as 
sistance;  the  State's  resources  were  taxed  to  the  last  possible 
dollar.  Draft  riots  broke  out,  but  Salomon's  proclamations  to 
the  people  of  the  offending  localities  were  sternly-phrased  lessons 
in  duty  and  obedience  to  law.  On  our  then  sparsely-settled 
northwestern  border,  restless  aborigines  threatened  the  security 
of  frontier  settlers.  All  such  exigencies  were  met  and  firmly 
mastered  by  this  sturdy  German- American  executive.  A  deep 
sense  of  duty,  a  capacity  for  prompt  and  efficient  action,  are  ex 
hibited  in  his  tersely-phrased  state  papers.  No  more  able  ad 
ministration  has  been  given  to  our  Commonwealth  than  by  this 
man  who  came  to  his  commanding  position  through  an  accident, 
but  who  completely  satisfied  the  most  exacting  standards  to  set 
by  his  distinguished  predecessors. 

To  Governor  James  T.  Lewis  fell  the  closing  fifteen  months 
of  the  war.  It  was  an  administration  at  first  characterized  by 
a  strong  pressure  for  men,  and  later  by  the  exciting  Presidential 
campaign  of  1864.  In  time  came  the  welcome  proclamation  of 
peace,  and  in  rapid  succession  the  assassination  of  Lincoln,  the 
homecoming  of  Wisconsin 's  volunteers,  and  preparations  for  the 
restoration  of  the  social  and  economic  status  quo.  Lewis  was 
confronted  by  strenuous  duties;  but  he  met  them  squarely  and 
ably.  His  messages  and  proclamations  are  replete  with  sound 
sense  and  a  deep  feeling  of  patriotism;  and  when  he  had  occa 
sion,  which  was  frequently,  for  thanking  the  troops  as  they  re 
turned  to  their  homes,  his  language  was  a  dignified  expression  of 

[XV] 


EDITOR'S  PREFACE 

the  pride  felt  by  the  State  in  the  records  of  its  representatives 
at  the  front. 

Governor  Lucius  Fairchild,  himself  one  of  the  most  gallant  of 
Wisconsin's  soldiers,  was  the  moving  spirit  in  our  State  during 
the  four  years  of  National  rehabilitation.  His  messages  relative 
to  amendments  to  the  Federal  Constitution  reflect  his  sympathy 
with  the  Congressional  policy  of  Southern  reconstruction.  Dur 
ing  his  administration  the  soldiers'  orphans  became  the  wards 
of  the  State,  and  aid  was  given  to  those  returned  volunteers  who 
were  wounded  and  infirm.  In  many  ways,  Fairchild  was  called 
on  for  active  assistance  in  healing  the  wounds  of  the  war,  in 
inaugurating  prosperity  on  the  peace  basis,  and  in  adjusting  the 
State's  finances  to  new  conditions.  These  administrative  duties 
were  performed  by  him  with  marked  ability,  and  his  state  papers 
were  worthy  of  the  man  and  of  his  office. 

In  reprinting  these  state  papers  emanating  from  the  five  War 
Governors  of  Wisconsin,  the  Commission  believes  that  it  is  per 
forming  a  needed  public  service,  for  they  furnish  a  mass  of  ma 
terial  essential  to  any  adequate  study  of  Wisconsin's  participa 
tion  in  the  struggle.  The  biographical  sketches  are  largely  the 
work  of  Dr.  Asa  Currier  Tilton,  formerly  of  the  Wisconsin  His 
torical  Society's  staff,  who  also  furnished  about  a  third  of  the 
notes.  Frederick  Merk,  also  of  the  Society's  staff,  has  con 
tributed  the  remainder  of  the  notes  and  has  rendered  much  prac 
tical  assistance  in  putting  the  volume  through  the  press.  Other 
editorial  aid  has  been  given  by  Dr.  Louise  Phelps  Kellogg  and 
Miss  Annie  A.  Nunns  of  the  same  staff. 

E.  G.  THWAITES. 

WISCONSIN  HISTORICAL  LIBRARY 
December,  1912. 


xvi  ] 


Civil  War  Messages  and  Proclamations  of 
Wisconsin  Governors 


1858-1862.      Alexander  William  Randall 

Biographical  Sketch 

Alexander  William  Randall,  the  sixth  Governor  of  Wisconsin, 
was  born  October  31,  1819,  at  Ames,  Montgomery  County,  New 
York.  His  father  was  Phineas  Randall,  a  native  of  Massachu 
setts;  and  his  mother,  Sarah  Beach  Randall  of  Schenectady, 
New  York.  His  father  was  a  lawyer  and  in  1851  followed  his 
son  to  Waukesha,  Wisconsin. 

Young  Randall  received  a  good  elementary  education,  then 
studied  law,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  the  age  of  nineteen. 
In  1840  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  at  Prairieville,  now 
Waukesha,  Here  he  practiced  law,  and  at  once  took  an  active 
part  in  the  public  affairs  of  his  community  and  State.  He  was 
one  of  the  founders,  in  1841,  of  Prairieville  Academy,  later 
Carroll  College.  For  a  time  he  was  postmaster,  and  in  1846 
was  active  in  securing  the  organization  of  Waukesha  County 
from  the  western  part  of  Milwaukee  County.  In  1842  he  mar 
ried  Mary  C.  Van  Vechten,  also  from  his  native  county.  She 
died  in  1858. 

Randall's  first  prominent  connection  with  State  affairs  was 
in  1846,  when  he  was  elected  one  of  the  delegates  to  the  first 
Constitutional  Convention.  In  this  Convention  he  introduced 
a  resolution  for  the  separate  submission  of  the  question  of  negro 
suffrage  to  a  vote  of  the  people.  In  1848  he  took  part  in  the 
Free  Soil  movement,  but  did  not  long  continue  with  it. 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l858~ 

In  the  following  years  the  slavery  question  was  breaking  old 
party  alignments.  Finally,  the  wing  of  the  Democratic  party 
to  which  Randall  belonged  united  with  a  considerable  part  of 
the  Whigs  to  form  the  Republican  party.  He  was  elected  to 
the  Assembly  of  1855  from  Waukesha  and  became  one  of  the 
leaders  of  the  new  party  therein.  The  same  year  he  was  can 
didate  for  the  attorney-generalship  on  the  Republican  ticket, 
but  was  defeated. 

In  1856  Randall  was  one  of  the  counsel  for  Bashford  in  the 
Bashford-Barstow  contest  over  the  governorship.  Later  in  the 
year  he  was  appointed  judge  of  the  Second  (Milwaukee)  Judi 
cial  Circuit  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of 
Judge  Levi  Hubbell.  He  was,  the  following  spring,  a  candi 
date  for  election  to  this  judgeship,  but  was  not  successful. 

In  1857  he  was  the  Republican  candidate  for  Governor.  The 
contest  was  very  close.  Randall  was  elected,  but  his  colleague, 
Carl  Schurz,  candidate  for  Lieutenant-Governor,  was  defeated. 
This  result  added  a  new  factional  element  to  political  affairs 
which  showed  itself  in  the  Republican  convention  of  1859,  when 
the  opponents  to  the  re-nomination  of  Randall  rallied  around 
Schurz.  Randall  was,  however,  nominated  and  elected  by  good 
majorities. 

The  interpretation  which  the  Governor  gave  to  the  course  of 
events  in  the  approaching  struggle  between  North  and  South, 
his  foresight  of  the  necessity  for  an  appeal  to  arms,  and  the 
consequent  recommendations  which  he  made  with  the  wish  that 
his  State  might  be  prepared  for  the  struggle,  are  shown  in  the 
extracts  here  given  from  his  messages. 

When  the  war  broke  out  he  was  prompt  and  energetic  in  the 
organization  of  a  military  establishment  and  in  raising  troops; 
and  was  painstaking  in  all  those  details  that  are  so  essential  to 
successful  military  administration.  The  State  camp  at  Madi 
son  was  nam'ed  in  his  honor,  and  this  title  has  been  preserved! 
since  its  purchase  by  the  University  of  Wisconsin  in  1893. 

Randall  was  an  active  participant  in  the  conference  of  gov 
ernors  of  Western  and  border  states,  held  at  Cleveland  in 

[2] 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

May,  1861 ;  and  was  elected  to  lay  the  report  of  the  confer 
ence  before  President  Lincoln.  The  same  year  he  was  a  candi 
date  for  a  United  States  senatorship  from  Wisconsin,  but  with 
drew  from  the  contest. 

At  the  close  of  his  second  term  as  governor,  in  January,  1862, 
Randall  wished  to  enter  the  army;  but  President  Lincoln  per 
suaded  him  to  accept  a  civil  position  where  his  executive  ability 
and  experience  were  more  needed,  and  appointed  him  minister- 
resident  at  Rome.  He  remained  there  only  a  few  months,  how 
ever,  leaving  his  post  in  August,  1862. 

On  his  return,  Randall  again  sought  military  service;  but 
again  was  dissuaded  by  the  President,  who  appointed  him 
assistant  postmaster-general  in  December,  1862.  He  held  this 
position  until  the  resignation  of  the  postmaster-general,  William 
Dennison,  in  July,.  1866.  President  Johnson,  whom  Randall 
was  supporting,  then  appointed  him  postmaster-general,  and  he 
held  office  until  the  end  of  Johnson's  term',  March  4,  1869. 

In  1863  he  married  Helen  M.  Thomas  of  Elmira,  New 
York;  and  in  1865  changed  his  residence  from  Waukesha  to 
that  place.  On  his  retirement  from'  the  postmaster-generalship 
he  took  up  the  practice  of  law  in  Elmira,  and  continued  therein 
until  his  death,  July  26,  1872. 


3] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l85&- 


1858.    Eleventh  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  13- 

May  17 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention  on 
January  15,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  the  course  of  which  he  made  the  following  allusions  to  the 
impending  struggle  between  the  South  and  the  North: 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 


MILITIA  AND   STATE   ARMS 

More  adequate  provision  should  be  made  for  the  organization 
of  the  militia  system'  of  the  State.1  If  the  proper  steps  are 
taken  and  exhibits  made,  the  State  will  be  entitled  to  receive 
during  the  present  year,  arms  to  the  value  of  twenty-four 
thousand  dollars.2  Some  safe  and  commodious  place  ought  to 


1  The  militia  system  of  the  State  was  organized  under  Wisconsin 
Laws,  1851,  chap.  8.     In  1858  it  was  reorganized  by  direction  of  Id, 
1857,    chap.    24.     The    recommendation    of   the    governor   for    further 
changes  was  responded  to  by  Id,  1858,  chap.  87.     The  militia  law  in 
force  in  1858  may  be  found  in  Wisconsin  Revised  Statutes,  1858,  chap. 
31.     Committee  reports  on  the  militia  are  given  in  Wisconsin  Senate 
Journal  (Madison,  1858),  pp.  426-428,  and  in  Wisconsin  Assembly  Jour 
nal  (Madison,  1858),  pp.  1001-1003.— ED. 

2  The  State  militia  was  provided  with  an  annual  allotment  of  arms, 
equipment,  and  stores  by  Act  of  Congress  of  April  23,  1808,  which  has 
been  continued   with  modifications  to  the  present.     To  share  in  the 
distribution,  it  is  necessary  that  the  State  militia  be  organized  in  con 
formity  with  the  militia  laws  of  the  United  States.     For  these  laws 
see,  in  general,  Davis,  Military  Laws  of  the  United  States  (4th  ed.,  1908, 
issued  by  War  Dept.). — ED. 

[4] 


I8581  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

f 

be  provided  for  depositing  and  preserving  them.  The  volun 
teer  companies  already  organized  are  an  honor  to  themselves 
and  to  the  State,  and  are  entitled  to  favorable  public  considera 
tion.3 


THE  SLAVERY  QUESTION4 

The  subject  of  slavery,  and  the  powers  of  the  federal  gov 
ernment  over  the  subject  of  slavery,  are  assuming  at  the  pres 
ent  time  a  very  grave  importance.  The  question  whether  a  man 
shall  own  himself,  or  another  man  shall  own  him,  is  of  itself,  in 
finite  in  its  importance  to  the  parties  interested;  but  it  becomes 
fearful  in  its  import  when  the  institutions  of  the  whole  country 
are  likely  to  be  involved  in  difficulty  growing  out  of  its  connex 
ion  with  that  peculiar  institution.  Great  controversies  have 
arisen  as  to  the  duty  of  the  Federal  Government,  and  as  to  the 
duties  of  the  States  themselves,  upon  this  subject,  and  this  an 
tagonism  of  opinion  has  led  to  antagonism  of  action,  and  is 
likely  to  involve  the  Federal  Government  and  the  States  in  grave 
confusion.  The  government  of  no  one  State  has  any  right  to 
interfere  directly  with  the  domestic  institutions  or  government 
of  any  other  State  of  the  Union.  The  jurisdiction  of  no  one 
State  extends  in  any  manner  or  for  any  purpose  whatever  over 
the  territory  of  any  other  State.  Each  is  sovereign  within  its 
own  boundaries,  and  entirely  independent,  except  so  far  as 
power  has  been  delegated  to  the  Federal  Government,  in  express 
and  exact  terms,  under  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States. 


s  The  Adjutant  General's  report  for  1858  lists  the  volunteer  com 
panies. — ED. 

*  On  slavery  and  politics  at  this  time  see  T.  C.  Smith,  Parties  and 
Slavery  (American  Nation  series,  New  York,  1906);  and  for  a  fuller 
account,  J.  F.  Rhodes,  United  States  (New  York,  1893),  i,  ii.  See  Wis. 
Sen.  Jour.,  1858,  pp.  63,  912  for  report  of  joint  committee  on  the  portion 
of  the  message  relating  to  slavery. — ED. 

m 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL 

The  laws  of  no  State  reach  beyond  the  limits  of  that  State 
and  every  legislative  enactment  assuming  a  jurisdiction  beyond 
a  constitutional  right,  is  void.  Wisconsin  has  no  .right  to  in 
terfere  with  the  domestic,  or  any  other  institution  of  Virginia, 
nor  has  Virginia  with  those  of  Wisconsin.  No  legislative  en 
actment  here,  and  no  judgment  of  our  own  State  courts,  can 
interfere  to  abolish  slavery  in  Kentucky,  nor  can  Kentucky  es 
tablish  slavery  in  Wisconsin.  Beyond  this,  the  Federal  Gov 
ernment,  being  purely  a  government  of  delegated  powers,  es 
tablished  for  specific  purposes,  cannot  abolish  slavery  in  any 
State  of  the  Union,  nor  can  it  establish  slavery  in  any  State, 
or  in  any  of  the  Territories  of  the  United  States;  nor  has  it  a 
right  directly  or  indirectly  to  advise,  countenance,  or  assent  to, 
the  establishment  of  domestic  slavery  any  where  within  its 
jurisdiction.  The  Federal  Government  is  entirely  one  of  del 
egated  powers,  and  the  powers  delegated  are  independent  pow 
ers.  There  is  no  such  thing  as  an  independent  power  granted 
by  implication.  There  are  certain  dependent  powers,  implied, 
assumed  and  exercised,  as  incidents  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
effect  to  an  independent  power  delegated. 

The  Federal  Government,  therefore,  takes  nothing  but  that 
which  the  Constitution  gives  it  in  express  terms,  and  acquires 
no  right  or  authority  to  exercise  any  power  not  expressly  del 
egated,  except  so  far  as  may  be  necessary  to  give  force  and  ef 
fect  to  one  expressly  delegated,  and  then  only  for  the  purpose 
of  carrying  out  the  great  objects  for  which  the  Government  it 
self  was  formed.  The  history  of  dead  nations,  written  upon 
the  record  and  in  their  ruins,  tells  us  in  terms  of  solemn  warning 
the  danger  of  departure,  by  any  Government,  in  the  exercise  of 
its  authority,  from  the  great  objects  for  which  all  good  gov 
ernments  should  be  instituted,  and  of  using  legitimate  powers 
as  engines  of  oppression,  and  fraud,  and  wrong.  The  theory  of 
our  Government  is  that  it  was  instituted  to  secure,  among  other 
rights,  the  rights  to  life  and  liberty,  and  that  it  derives  all  its 
just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed.  The  people  or 
dained  and  established  the  Federal  Constitution,  in  order  to 

[6] 


1858]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

"form  a  more  perfect  union  among  the  independent  States,  es 
tablish  justice,  insure  domestic  tranquility,  provide  for  the  com 
mon  defence,  promote  the  general  welfare,  and  secure  the  bless 
ings  of  liberty." 

Using  the  great  powers  delegated  to  the  Federal  Government 
by  that  Constitution  for  any  other  purposes  than  those  intended 
and  specified,  operates  as  a  direct  violation  of  the  principles  that 
underlie  its  foundations;  denies  practically,  that  the  Govern 
ment  was  instituted  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  and  sustain 
ing  the  rights  to  life  and  liberty;  perverts  the  theory  that  it 
derives  its  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed.  In 
stead  of  confirming  the  strength  -of  a  perfect  union  formed,  it 
weakens  its  bonds,  and  tends  to  disunion.  Instead  of  establish 
ing  justice,  its  tendency  is  to  injustice  and  violence.  It  insures 
domestic  confusion  and  discord,  instead  of  tranquility;  breaks 
down  the  constitutional  walls  erected  for  the  common  defence, 
opens  the  way  for  thick-coming  disasters  and  misfortunes,  in 
the  place  of  promoting  the  general  welfare,  and  shackles  the 
liberty  of  the  people  instead  of  securing  its  blessings. 

The  relation  of  master  and  slave  is  peculiar  in  its  character. 
It  does  not  depend  for  its  existence,  necessarily,  upon  local  law. 
It  is  not  a  natural  condition  of  any  distinct  race  of  men.  It  is 
rather  a  relation  depending  upon  the  exercise  of  force.  It  is  a 
relation  that  existed  before  the  present  State  Constitutions 
were  made,  and  before  there  was  any  local  legislation  on  the 
subject.  Law  makers  and  constitution  makers  recognized  it 
as  an  existing  institution,  and  passed  no  laws  creating  or  as 
suming  to  create  it.  It  was  established  without  law,  and  is 
sustained  by  law  protecting  the  exercise  of  force  without  right. 
This  is  the  character  of  the  institution  now  sought  to  be  forced 
upon  a  free  Territory  of  the  United  States.5  Since  A.  D.  1820,6 


s  The  struggle  over  the  admission  of  Kansas  was  at  its  height  in 
185-8.  See  Rhodes,  United  States,  ii,  passim. — ED. 

« Act  of  Congress  of  March  6,  1820,  known  as  "Missouri  Compro 
mise." — ED. 

m 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL 

until  within  a  brief  period,  slavery  was  prohibited  by  act  of 
Congress  north  of  what  was  called  the  Missouri  Compromise 
line.  That  act  was  repealed  and  superseded  by  the  Kansas- 
Nebraska  Act.  At  the  time  of  its  repeal  there  was  no  slavery 
in  Kansas,  in  the  judgment  of  the  law.  At  the  time  of  the 
passage  of  the  Kansas-Nebraska  Act  there  was  neither  slavery 
nor  involuntary  servitude  in  any  of  the  Territories  of  the  United 
States,  under  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  There  was 
no  local  law  authorizing  it,  nor  any  act  of  Congress.  There 
was  neither  a  slave  state  or  a  free  state  having  any  jurisdiction 
over  them.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  never  carried 
slavery  into  any  free  Territory  of  the  United  States.  The  states 
men  who  made  it  did  not  make  it  for  that  purpose.  The  people 
who  ordained  and  established  it,  did  not  ordain  and  establish 
it  for  that  purpose. 

There  is  in  it  neither  an  express  or  implied  power  to  establish 
slavery  anywhere.  If  there  was  slavery  at  that  time  in  Kansas 
or  any  other  Territory  of  the  United  States,  it  was  without  law, 
and  in  direct  violation  of  every  principle  upon  which  our  in 
stitutions  are  based,  and  in  conflict  with  the  declared  objects 
for  which  the  Constitution  itself  was  adopted.  Neither  in  re 
gard  to  slavery  or  any  other  subject,  does  the  Constitution  da 
that  for  which  it  was  not  intended  or  instituted,  or  that  for 
which  it  does  not  itself  declare  it  was  intended  or  instituted. 
No  partnership  was  formed  by  the  Confederated  States,  at  the 
time  the  Federal  Constitution  was  adopted,  for  the  purpose  of 
creating  or  sustaining  slavery.  There  was  no  article  in  the 
partnership  contract  declaring  slaves  to  be  common  property, 
or  registering  them  among  the  list  of  articles  of  chattels  univer 
sally  recognized  throughout  the  civilized  world  as  common  sub 
jects  of  property.  That  cannot,  by  any  just  law,  be  made  prop 
erty  which  is  not  the  subject  of  property.  Men  entitled  to  life 
and  liberty  are  not  the  subject  of  property  to  men  entitled  to 
life  and  liberty.  Equals  are  not  the  subject  of  property  to 
equals.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  was  never  in 
tended  to  establish  or  sustain,  and  does  not  now  sustain,  this 

[8] 


l858]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

peculiar  relation  or  institution  in  any  Territory  of  the  United 
States. 

There  is  another  serious  aspect  to  this  anti-Republican  doc 
trine  of  slavery  under  the  Constitution.  If  the  right  to  hold 
slaves  existed  in  Kansas  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  the  Kansas 
act,  under  the  common  Constitution,  it  existed  in  Utah  and  New 
Mexico  and  Oregon  and  Washington  and  Minnesota  Territories. 
If  the  right  to  hold  slaves  exists  under  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States  independent  of  local  law,  the  Constitution  being 
the  Supreme  law  of  the  land  as  it  expressly  declares,  then  every 
act  prohibiting  slavery  in  any  of  the  Territories,  the  ordinance 
of  1787,  and  every  law  and  Constitution  of  every  free  State, 
abolishing  or  prohibiting  slavery,  were  and  are  unconstitutional, 
and  the  right  of  slaveholders  to  bring  into  Wisconsin  their 
slaves  and  to  hold  them  here  as  such,  and  to  sustain  the  institu 
tion  of  slavery  here,  now  exists,  and  slave  labor,  forced  upon 
us,  is  liable  to  come  into  competition  with  the  free  labor  of  owe 
citizens.  It  is  a  question  which  rises  far  above  all  party  con 
siderations.  The  free  people  of  Wisconsin  will  never  consent 
to  any  such  construction  of  the  Federal  Constitution. 

We  owe  to  ourselves,  and  to  the  other  free  States,  and  to  the 
spirit  of  our  institutions,  to  record  our  solemn  protest  against 
it.  Wisconsin  was  born  of  Virginia  when  ideas  of  free  govern 
ment  filled  the  minds  of  her  great  statesmen,  and  when  Liberty 
was  the  theme  of  her  Orators.  The  child  has  not  forgotten  the 
early  taught  lessons  of  the  parent.  "There  SHALL  BE  neither 
slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude  in  the  State  of  Wisconsin 
otherwise  than  in  the  punishment  of  crime  whereof  the  party 
shall  have  been  duly  canvicted."7 

The  right  to  control,  is  a  necessary  incident  to  the  power  to 
acquire  Territory.  Congress  has  no  power  to  establish  slavery 
in  the  Territories,  because  it  derives  no  power  from  the  Con 
stitution,  and  to  establish  slavery  was  not  one  of  the  purposes 
for  which  it  was  ordained  and  established.  The  Federal  Gov- 


7  Constitution  of  Wisconsin,  art.  1,  sec.  2. — ED. 

[9] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL 

ernment  has  no  right  to  acquire  Territory  except  for  purposes 
consistent  with  the  objects  of  our  institutions.  It  has  a  right, 
and  it  is  its  duty  to  prohibit  slavery  in  the  Territories,  because 
it  has  power  to  legislate  over  the  Territories,  and  slavery  is  the 
antagonist  of  that  Liberty,  to  secure  the  blessings  of  which  the 
Constitution  was  ordained  and  established. 

The  right  of  Congress  to  legislate  for  the  territories  has  been 
conceded  by  every  President,  and  sanctioned  by  every  adminis 
tration,  from  that  of  Washington  down  to  that  of  President 
Pierce.  It  has  been  declared  by  the  adjudication  of  the  Su 
preme  Court  of  the  United  States.  Every  organic  law,  or 
ganizing  a  Territorial  Government,  passed  by  Congress,  is  an 
act  of  legislation.  The  act  of  Congress,  organizing  a  Territorial 
Government  in  Kansas,  holds  the  same  relation  to  that  territory 
that  a  State  Constitution  does  to  the  State.  Congress  can  con 
fer  no  power  of  legislation  that  it  does  not  itself  possess,  and 
every  act  of  legislation  by  Congress  establishing  an  organic  law 
is  legislation  for  the  territory,  and  for  the  people  of  the  terri 
tory  ;  is  legislation  over  the  territory  and  over  the  people  of  the 
territory,  affecting  the  rights  and  privileges  and  institutions  of 
the  people  of  the  territory.  It  is  the  duty  of  Congress  to  exer 
cise  that  power  of  legislation  over  the  Territories  in  order  to 
prevent  the  aggressions  of  an  enemy  to  the  common  liberty 
which  the  people  have,  under  the  Constitution,  a  right  to  enjoy. 
To  a  certain  extent,  the  people  have  a  right  to  regulate  their  own 
Institutions  in  their  own  way.  E>ut  the  people  have  no  right 
to  do  wrong.  The  majority  of  the  people  have  no  right  to  op 
press  the  minority.  Constitutions  are  adopted  and  laws  made 
with  a  view  to  protect  the  rights  of  minorities  against  the  ex 
cesses  of  majorities,  as  well  as  to  protect  the  rights  of  the  ma 
jority  because  of  their  intrinsic  merits.  Under  a  constitutional 
government,  the  power  of  the  people  is  not  unlimited.  The 
people  must  be  bound  by  the  law,  or  there  is  the  end  of  civil 
government.  Our  Government  is  not  a  pure  democracy,  where 
the  will  of  the  people  necessarily  becomes  the  law.  Otherwise, 
if  the  majority  determined  upon  a  Limited  Monarchy  or  ab- 

[10] 


1858]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

solute  Despotism,  without  regard  to  constitutional  safeguards, 
our  Government  might  be  changed  to-morrow,  and  all  our  lib 
erties  overthrown.  Under  our  present  form  of  government, 
the  people  in  every  organized  State,  having  regard  to  the  bounds 
set  to  their  action  by  the  Constitution,  and  having  in  view  the 
great  objects  of  the  Government,  have  a  right  to  say  through 
their  legally  chosen  agents  and  representatives,  by  what  kind  of 
laws  their  lives  and  liberty  and  property  shall  be  protected  and 
preserved. 

This  applies,  not  to  the  rights  of  the  majority  or  of  the  minor 
ity,  but  to  the  rights  of  the  whole  people.  And  when  the  ob 
jects  of  the  government  are  to  protect  and  preserve  the  life 
and  liberty  and  property  of  the  whole  people,  the  majority  has 
no  authority  to  so  will  or  so  order  their  rule  as  to  take  away  the 
rights  of  the  least  and  humblest  individual  in  the  State.  The 
majority  of  the  people  have  no  right  under  our  constitution,  or 
under  the  Federal  constitution,  to  declare  as  law  that  the  minor 
ity  shall  be  slaves;  and  the  fact  that  the  majority  should  so 
declare  would  destroy  the  only  really  democratic  element  in 
the  government,  and  would  be  a  solemn  mockery  of  every  idea 
of  Republicanism.  It  is  the  business,  therefore,  of  Congress, 
wherever  it  has  jurisdiction,  to  prevent  by  every  constitutional 
means,  the  least  attempt  to  establish  an  institution  or  a  system 
of  laws  so  opposed  to  all  ideas  of  free  government. 

The  repeal  of  the  Missouri  Compromise  was  a  great  wrong 
done  to  the  Free  States,  and  no  benefit  to  the  Slave  States.  It 
opened  the  door  to  every  species  of  fanaticism,  and  to  wild  ex 
cesses  from  the  criminality  of  which  an  age  of  good  deeds  and 
good  government  could  bring  no  atonement,  and  the  urgent  ef 
fort  still  made  to  force  upon  the  people  of  Kansas  a  Constitu 
tion  to  which  a  vast  majority  are  notoriously  opposed,  against 
every  principle  of  justice  and  constitutional  obligation,  is  light 
ing  up  there  the  flames  of  civil  war,  which  may  spread  until 
the  whole  country  shall  become  involved.8  It  is  not  the  busi- 


s  On  conditions  in  Kansas  see  L.  W.  Spring,  Kansas  (Boston,  1885); 
and  Rhodes,  United  States,  ii,  passim. — ED. 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [1858- 

ness  of  Congress  to  make  state  constitutions,  or  to  force  any- 
state  into  the  Union  with  a  constitution  odious  to  its  people. 
The  Constitution  gives  to  Congress  a  discretionary  power  over 
the  admission  of  new  states.  It  may  admit  or  it  may  refuse  to 
admit.  It  is  the  duty  of  Congress  to  prevent  the  admission  of 
any  more  Slave  States  into  the  Union.  Slavery  has  spread  far 
enough.  It  has  diffused  itself  over  more  territory,  and  has 
now  more  power  over  the  Federal  Government  than  the  Fathers 
ever  intended  or  expected.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  free  State 
to  remonstrate  against  its  further  extension,  and  against  the 
admission  of  any  more  Slave  States.  Congress  has  no  right  to 
interfere  with  it  in  the  Slave  States,  but  should  confine  it  just 
where  it  is,  with  all  its  blessings  and  all  its  woes,  by  great  walls 
of  law,  supported  by  all  the  powers  of  the  national  government. 

Article  10  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  says :  ' '  The 
powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by  the  Constitution, 
nor  prohibited  by  it  to  the  States,  are  reserved  to  the  States 
respectively,  or  the  people. " 

President  Madison  well  said — "The  powers  delegated  by  the 
Constitution  to  the  Federal  Government  are  few  and  defined. 
Those  which  are  to  remain  in  the  State  governments  are  numer 
ous  and  indefinite.  The  former  will  be  exercised  principally  on 
external  objects,  as  war,  peace,  negotiations,  and  foreign  com 
merce,  with  wlr  ^h  last  the  power  of  taxation  will  for  the  most 
part  be  connected.  The  powers  reserved  to  the  several  States, 
will  extend  to  all  the  objects,  which,  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
affairs,  concern  the  lives,  liberties  and  properties  of  the  people, 
and  the  internal  order,  improvement  and  prosperity  of  the 
State."9 

The  tendency  of  the  action  of  the  Federal  Government,  has 
been  for  many  years,  aided  by  the  Federal  Courts,  to  centraliza 
tion,  and  to  an  absorption  of  a  large  share  of  the  sovereignty  of 
the  States.  It  has  trespassed  upon  the  reserved  rights  of  the 

£>P     C.    Lodge    (ed.),    The   Federalist    (New   York,    1889),    no.    45,. 
p.  290. — ED. 

[12] 


•1858]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

States  and  of  the  people,  assuming  a  jurisdiction  over  them,  in 
the  exercise  of  power  never  delegated.  The  Federal  Govern 
ment,  so  far  as  there  is  any  sovereignty  under  our  form  of  gov 
ernment,  is  sovereign  and  independent  in  the  exercise  of  its  del 
egated  powers,  and  the  States  are  sovereign  and  independent  in 
the  exercise  of  their  reserved  powers.  The  safety  of  the  States 
in  the  exercise  of  those  powers  in  defence  of  the  lives  and  prop 
erties,  and  liberties  of  the  people,  demands  a  firm,  deliberate  op 
position  and  resistance  to  any  attempt  at  usurpation  or  aggres 
sion  by  the  Federal  Government,  its  Courts,  its  officers  or  agents, 
upon  the  reserved  rights  of  the  States  or  the  people. 

The  laws  of  Wisconsin  declare  "It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Governor,  and  of  all  the  subordinate  officers  of  the  State  to 
maintain  and  defend  its  sovereignty  and  jurisdiction."10  The 
deliberate  judgment  of  the  highest  judicial  tribunal  of  the 
State  as  to  the  sovereignty  and  jurisdiction  of  the  State,  as  to 
the  reserved  powers  of  the  State  and  of  the  people,  and  as  to 
the  rights  to  liberty  and  property  of  its  people,  is  the  law,  and 
•must  be  sustained.11  "Wisconsin  is  true  to  the  Constitution. 
'The  people  are  loyal  to  the  Constitution  and  to  the  Union.  She 
will  give  to  the  Federal  Government  all  its  rights,  to  her  sister 
States  all  their  rights,  and  will  insist  upon  her  own.  The  peo 
ple  will  never  consent  to  disunion  of  the  States.  They  will  aid 
in  bringing  back  every  State  that  forgets  its  loyalty.  They 
will  not  consent  to  speculate  upon  a  contingency  in  which  dis 
union  would  be  justifiable,  or  even  excusable,  but  doing  justice 
-and  demanding  justice,  they  will  continue  to  support  the  Con 
stitution  and  the  laws. 

******** 

ALEXANDER  "W.  RANDALL. 


10  Wis.  Rev.  Statutes,  1849,  chap.  1,  sec.  3.— ED. 

11  In  re  Sherman  M.  Booth,  3  Wis.  13 ;  and  in  re  Booth  and  Rycraft, 
3  Wis.  144;   see  also  Ableman  vs.  Booth,  21  Howard  506,  in  which  the 
U.  S.  Supreme  Court  reversed  the  decision  of  the  Wisconsin  Supreme 
Court.    For  historical  review,  consult  J.  B.  Winslow,  Story  o/  a  Great 
Court  (Chicago,  1912),  pp.  70-81,  118.— ED. 

[13] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  El859- 


1859.    Twelfth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  12- 

March  21 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  13,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  the  course  of  which  he  made  the  following  allusion  to  the 
slavery  question: 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 


SLAVERY 

My  views,  as  expressed  in  my  last  message,  in  regard  to  the 
relative  powers  and  duties  of  the  Federal  and  State  Govern 
ments,  and  in  regard  to  the  power  and  duty  of  Congress  to 
prohibit  slavery  in  the  Territories  by  positive  enactment,  and 
to  prevent  the  admission  of  any  more  slave  States  into  the 
Union,  remain  unchanged.  They  must  be  settled  upon  and 
sustained,  as  indicating  the  true  policy  of  the  Government, 
and  as  the  only  means  by  which  the  objects  for  which  the  Gov 
ernment  was  formed  can  be  successfully  attained,  and  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  the  people  preserved. 

******** 

ALEXANDER  W.  RANDALL. 


1860]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


1860.    Thirteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  11- 

April  2 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention  on 
January  12,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  the  course  of  which  he  referred  as  follows  to  the  status  of  the 
"Wisconsin  militia  and  the  pending  question  of  slavery: 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 


The  Report  of  the  Adjutant  General  shows  55  volunteer  mil 
itary  companies,  embracing  2,365  rank  and  file.  The  returns  of 
the  enrolled  militia  show  great  neglect  of  duty  by  the  assessors. 
From  a  large  majority  of  the  counties  of  the  State  no  returns 
are  made  as  provided  by  law.  As  this  annual  return  is  neces 
sary,  under  a  law  of  Congress,  to  insure  the  distribution  of  an 
annual  quota  of  arms  to  the  State,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  more 
care  may  hereafter  be  taken. 

Various  interesting  statistics  relative  to  the  volunteer  militia 
will  be  found  in  the  Report. 


SLAVERY 

New  subjects  of  excitement  connected  with  slavery  and  the 
slave  trade  are  agitating  the  public  mind.  As  a  national  ques 
tion,  that  of  slavery  and  slavery  extension  is  foremost  among 
the  people.  Slavery  existed  in  the  Colonies  before  the  law, 
and  before  there  were  any  State  Constitutions.  It  was  forced 

[15] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86°- 

into  some  of  the  States,  as  in  the  case  of  Virginia,  against  the 
will  and  remonstrances  of  colonial  citizens.  The  slave  trade 
was  made  a  matter  of  complaint  against  the  mother  country. 
It  was  deemed  of  incalculable  evil  to  the  new  settlements  upon 
the  western  continent.  Existing,  as  slavery  did,  in  all  but  one 
of  the  colonies,  at  the  time  of  the  formation  of  our  present  con 
stitutional  government,  it  was  tolerated  for  the  time  being,  with 
the  idea  that  its  existence  would  be,  comparatively,  but  tempo 
rary,  and  that  it  would  die  out,  as  an  institution  entirely  incom 
patible  with  the  genius  of  the  government,  and  with  the  great 
objects  for  which  it  was  formed.  While  the  increase  of  the 
number  of  slave  states  has  not  been  correspondingly  great,  the 
increase  of  slavery  and  of  the  power  of  slavery  in  the  govern 
ment  has  been  so  great  that  the  slave  population  in  the  slave 
states  is  now  greater  than  the  entire  population  of  the  colonies 
at  the  time  of  our  revolutionary  controversy  with  Great  Brit 
ain,12  and  the  whole  machinery  of  the  federal  government  is 
blocked  up  by  its  exactions.  The  compact  made  at  the  time  of 
the  adoption  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  that  sla 
very  should  be  tolerated,  and  that  "persons  held  to  service 
should  be  delivered  up  on  claim  of  the  party  to  whom  service 
was  due"13  has  not  been  satisfactory  to  the  slaveholding  States. 
New  demands  have  been  constantly  made  upon  the  consciences 
of  the  people  of  the  non-slaveholding  States,  until  serious  diffi 
culties  have  arisen  between  the  two  sections  of  the  Union. 
There  is  no  right  of  interference  with  slavery  in  the  Slave 
States  by  legislation  in  the  Free  States,  tending  to  its  abolition, 
or  by  citizens  of  the  Free  States  through  a  violent  intervention. 
But  the  government  was  formed  for  the  declared  purpose  of 
"preserving  the  blessings  of  Liberty,"  among  other  things,  and 
not  for  the  purpose  of  extending  slavery.  The  colonies  which 
so  urgently  denounced  the  evils  of  the  institution  and  so  strongly 


12  The  population  of  the  United   States  in  1790  was   3,929,214;    the 
slave  population  in  1860  was  3,953,760. — ED. 
«  U.  S.  Constitution,  art.  4,  sec.  2. — ED. 


I86°]  ANNUAL   MESSAGE 

complained  of  the-  slave  trade,  now,  erected  into,  states^  seek  to 
force  upon  free  territories  the  evils  of  a  system  they  then  de 
plored,  by  planting  slavery  where  the  Fathers  of  the  Republic 
never  intended  it  should  go. ,  Time  after  time  compromises  have 
been  entered  into,  connected  with  and  growing  out  of  the  ex 
istence  of  slavery,  and  time  after  time,  at  the  demands  of  slavery, 
they  have  been  broken  down.  Its  exactions  are  intolerable. 
While  there  is  no  right  of  interference  with  slavery  where  it 
exists  in  the  slave  states,  by  free  state  legislation,  and  while 
there  is  no  effort  at  interference  with  it  by  forcible  means  by 
citizens  of  the  free  states,  with  a  few  individual  exceptions,  the 
free  states  have  a  right  to  insist,  and  it  is  their  duty  to  insist, 
that  it  shall  be  no  farther  extended.  The  fact  that  the  Terri 
tories  are  the  common  property  of  the  people  of  all  the  states 
carries  with  it  no  right  to  establish  slavery  there.  The  fact 
that  men  are  held  as  slaves  in  slave  states  gives  no  right  to 
carry  them  as  slaves  into  territories,  simply  because  they  are 
counted  as  property  in  the  slave  states.  The  fact  that  slaves 
are  called  property,  gives  no  right  of  property  in  them.  Men 
are  not  recognized  by  the  civilized  world  as  common  subjects 
of  property.  They  cannot  be  placed  in  the  same  category  as 
chattels,  and  things  and  estates,  which  are  universally  conceded 
to  be  subjects  of  ownership.  Slavery  in  the  Territories,  there 
fore,  would  be  without  law  and  above  the  law,  a  mere  creature 
of  force,  subject  to  all  the  contingencies  of  a  violent  existence. 
An  institution  so  inhuman,  so  pernicious  in  its  character,  so 
disastrous  to  the  interests  of  free  labor,  and  terrible  in  its  con 
sequences  to  the  bondmen,  and  so  antagonistic  to  the  great  prin 
ciples  of  human  liberty  .that  underlie  our  government,  ought, 
by  the  exercise-  of  every  legitimate  power,  to  be  restrained  from 
any  further  extension.  The  new  and  fearful  doctrine,  that 
under  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  slavery  goes  trav 
eling  into  the  Free  Territories  of  the  United  States,  and  is  there 
to  be  protected  under  its  broad  shield,  without  any  local  law  on 
the  subject  in  the  Territories,  is  unworthy  of  the  age  in  which 
we  live,  or  of  the  statesmen  to  whose  hands  are  entrusted  the 
2  [17] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [1860- 

interests  of  this  great  people.  It  is  no  subject  of  congratulation 
that  in  this  theoretically  free  government  an  effort  has  been 
made,  and  is  still  persisted  in,  to  establish  the  "right  of  every 
citizen  to  take  his  property  of  every  kind,  including  slaves, 
into  Territories,  and  have  it  protected  there  under  the  Con 
stitution."  The  idea  that  "neither  Congress  nor  a  Territorial 
Legislature,  nor  any  human  power,  has  any  authority  to  annul 
or  impair  this  vested!  right,"  is  the  most  unwarranted  of  any 
ever  conceived  since  the  Federal  Government  had  an  existence. 
No  good  citizen  can  give  assent  to  it.  No  honest,  enlightened 
statesman  should  countenance  it  for  a  moment.  It  is  not  true. 
There  must  be  a  power  over  slavery  somewhere.  It  is  not  above 
the  law  or  out  of  the  reach  of  the  law. 

If  Congress  cannot  prevent  its  extension,  where  does  it  get 
the  power  to  authorize  a  convention  to  form  a  State  Constitution 
prohibiting  it?  If  a  Territorial  Legislature  cannot  prohibit  it, 
how  can  it  provide  for  the  election  of  delegates  to  a  Constitu 
tional  Convention,  with  power  to  make  a  free  Constitution?  It 
would  then  be  unconstitutional  to  declare  in  a  State  Constitu 
tion,  form'ed  over  a  Territory,  that  there  should  be  no  slavery 
there.  A  Constitutional  Convention,  sitting  to  make  a  State 
Constitution,  is  a  "human  power."  Is  it  true  that  slavery 
overrides  every  other  great  interest?  That  the  assumed  right 
of  property  in  man  is  so  old  and  enduring  that,  touched  by  the 
indurating  hand  of  time,  it  can  harden  into  a  right  absolute,  be 
yond  the  reach  of  any  interference  but  that  of  Omnipotence? 
Have  we  such  a  government  that  there  is  no  power  but  that  of 
Almighty  God  that  dares  to  touch  it?  If  so,  this  great  nation 
must  bend  its  neck  to  the  yoke,  and  slavery  become  universal, 
and,  in  a  government  ordained  by  the  people  to  preserve  the 
blessings  of  Liberty,  humanity  must  "give  signs  of  woe  that 
Liberty  is  lost. ' '  The  fact  that  Congress  has  the  power  to  pro 
hibit  slavery  in  the  Territories,  however  much  that  doctrine 
may  be  opposed  from  motives  of  interest  or  ambition,  notwith 
standing  the  great  weight  that  has  been  thrown  into  the  scale 

[18] 


1860]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

against  it,14  is  as  certain  as  that  the  government  has  power  to 
acquire  territory  at  all.  That  it  cannot  control  what  it  has 
power  to  acquire  by  treaty,  by  conquest,  or  by  purchase,  is 
absurd.  This  power  should  be  exercised,  and  the  way  of  slav 
ery  extension  walled  up  forever.  The  slave  States  have  no 
reason  to  complain  of  this.  They  must  be  left  unmolested  in 
the  enjoyment  of  the  blessings  of  that  peculiar  institution,  if 
there  are  any  blessings  connected  with  it,  in  the  slave  States, 
so  long  as  the  government  remains.  While  this  is  conceded, 
the  right  to  impose  it  upon  new  territories  cannot  be  admitted, 
and  its  extension  must  be  prevented,  not  by  inroads  upon  the 
slave  States  themselves,  with  violence  and  in  blood,  but  by 
legitimate  constitutional  legislation,  sustained  by  the  power  of 
the  government  itself. 

It  cannot  be  conceded  that  the  black  race  has  no  business 
upon  the  earth.  "We  can  have  no  controversy  with  the  Great 
God  over  any  supposed  error  in  the  location  or  distribution  of 
races.  There  is  a  diversity  of  races.  Intellect  is  confined  to 
no  race,  while  there  is  great  inequality  in  intellectual  develop 
ment.  So  far  as  the  great  rights  of  life,  liberty,  and  the  pur 
suit  of  happiness  are  concerned,  it  is  enough  to  know  that  they 
belong  to  manhood.  With  the  wisdom  which  has  distinguished 
the  different  races  of  men  by  marked  physical  and  intellectual 
features,  we  can  have  no  dispute.  But  we  can  learn,  and  we 
do  learn,  from  this  very  diversity,  that  each  race  belongs  to 
itself  alone,  and  that  there  can  be  no  social  contact  or  assimi 
lation  but  would  carry  with  them  untold  disasters. 

There  are  other  evils  connected  with  this  subject.  While  the 
African  slave  trade  is  made  piracy  by  law,  and  is  so  condemned 
by  the  whole  civilized  world,  deliberate  attempts  are  constantly 
made  to  re-open  it,  and  in  frequent  instances  cargoes  of  slaves, 
fresh  from  Africa,  have  been  landed  upon  our  southern  coasts, 
and  the  chattels  scattered  though  the  country,  marketed  for 


i*  The  U.  S.  Supreme  Court  declared  in  the  Dred  Scott  decision  that 
Congress  had  no  power  to  prohibit  slavery  in  the  territories. — ED. 

[19] 


GOVERNOR  RAiNDALL  [1860- 

service  upon  southern  plantations.  This  evil  is  more  grave 
from  the  fact  that  it  receives  countenance  from  leading  south 
ern  statesmen,  and  is,, openly  proclaimed  as  a  policy  designed 
to  be  reinstated.15 

.Again:  In  some  of  the  slaveholding  States,  laws  have  been 
passed  authorizing  the  sale  of  free  blacks  into  slavery,  and  the 
confiscation  of  their  property,  in  case  they  remain  there  after 
a  given  time  mentioned  in  the  law.  The  laws  which  prohibit 
the  ingress  of  free  blacks  surrounding  these  States,  render  de 
plorable  indeed  the  condition  of  that  unfortunate  race  of  men, 
and  are  a  sad  commentary  upon  the  Christianity  and  Civiliza 
tion  of  the  age,  in  a  land  boasting  of  its  freedom.16  The  exten 
sion  of  an  institution  of  this  character,  so  fraught  with  calami 
ties  to  both  the  white  and  black  races,  into  free  territories,  mul 
tiplying  the  elements  and  means  of  oppression  and  wrong, 
ought  not  to  be  encouraged  or  countenanced  either  by  the  citi 
zens  of  the  Southern  or  Northern  States. 

Free  labor  languishes  and  becomes  degrading  when  put  in 
competition  with  slave  labor;  and  idleness,  poverty  and  vice, 
among  large  classes  of  non-slaveholders,  take  the  place  of  in 
dustry,  and  thrift,  and  virtue.  It  prevents  a  general  system 
of  popular  education,  and  ignorance  abounds  in  the  places 
where  knowledge  should  be  the  brightest  ornament  of  intellect. 

The  increase  of  the  blacks  in  warm  climates  is  far  more  rapid 
than  that  of  the  whites.  Already  in  some  of  the  slave  States 
the  slaves  outnumber  the  free  whites.17  Twenty-five  years 
from  the  present  time,  the  ordinary  ratio  of  increase  will  give 


is  Act  of  Congress,  May  15,  1820.  Cf.  Rhodes,  United  States,  ii,  in 
dex  under  "slave  trade."  See  also  a  resolution  from  the  legislature  of 
New  York  to  the  legislatures  of  the  other  States,  protesting  against 
the  reopening  of  the  slave  trade;  Wis.  Sen.  Jour,,  1860,  p.  249. — ED. 

26  See  ante,  p.  13,  note  10. — ED. 

^  Consult  codes  and  revised  statutes  of  Southern  States  in  last 
editions  before  1861.— Et>. 

IT  Mississippi  and  South  Carolina. — ED. 

[20] 


i860]  ANNUAL   MESSAGE 

a  slave  population  hi  the  slave-holding '  States  of  nearly  ten 
millions,  at" least  equaling,  if  not  superior  in  numbers  to  the 
free  white  citizens.18  Looking  to  a  future  in  the  history  of 
States  beyond  that,  we  may  well  enquire  what  will  be  the  con 
dition  of  the  Southern  States  and  of  the  whole  country  at  the 
end  of  fifty  years.  "What  can  be  done  with  twenty  millions  of 
slaves,  without  education,  without  fixed  moral  principles,  the 
subjects  of  whim,  caprice,  passion;  knowing  no  law  but  the 
law  of  force,  submitting  to  no  power  but  the  power  of  force; 
smarting  under  real  or  imaginary  injuries;  deeming  themselves 
oppressed  and  looking  every  day  upon  their  supposed  oppress 
ors  ;..  more  restrained  of  their  liberty  through  the  fears  of  the 
masters,  and  subject  to  more  rigid  police  surveillance,  and 
more  extreme  exactions,  because  of  multiplied  dangers  ?  What 
could  control  the  wild  passions  of  that  overwhelming  physical 
power,  once  aroused?  So  terrible  a  wrath,  with  go  resistless  a 
force,  would  almost  inevitably  lead  to  a  war  of  races,  more 
cruel,  destructive,  bloodthirsty,  than  the  world  ever  saw  before, 
beginning  with  conflict  and  ending  with  butchery.  In  such  a 
war,  one  or  the  other  of  the  two  races  must  be  destroyed.  In 
such  a  contest,  where  would  the  victory  be?  To  precisely  such 
a  result  are  we  tending  to-day.  Deny  it  as  we  m'ay,  the  physical 
laws  of  the  races,  and  the  climatic  influences,  are  driving  us 
right  onward  towards  such  a  future.  The  sagacious  statesman, 
gathering  wisdom  from  the  history  of  living  as  well  as  of  the 
dead  nations,  looking  forward  to  a  probable  future  as  he  looks 
back  at  an  actual  past,  and  seeing  danger  to  his  country  and 
institutions  afar  off,  should  devise  some  means  of  protection 
commensurate  with  the  apprehended  danger,  by  which  such 
calamities  may  be  avoided. 

It  has  been  well  said  that  "it  is  the  true  mission  of  a  superior 
and  enlightened  race  to  protect  and  establish  with  well  founded 


is  In  1890  the  U.  S.  census  gave  the  total  negro  population  of  the 
United  States  as  7,488,676,  and  the  total  white  population  of  the  'South 
Atlantic  and  South  Central  states  as  13,193,453. — ED. 

[  21  1 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  tl86<>- 

institutions  the  feebler  races  within  its  influence.  The  general 
welfare  requires  this,  and  renders  it  the  exalted  duty  of  power 
ful  nations.  England,  France  and  Russia,  though  subject  to 
selfish  monarchies,  yet  feel  the  impulse  of  this  enlightened  age ; 
and  we  see  the  Czar  giving  freedom  and  rights  to  his  sixty 
millions  of  serfs,  and  spreading  civilization  over  all  the  North 
of  Europe  and  Asia.19  England  and  France  hold  up  besotted 
Turkey,  and  are  endeavoring  to  instill  life  again  by  imparting 
freedom  and  toleration  to  the  masses.  England  extends  her 
principles  of  representative  government,  in  greater  or  less  de 
gree,  to  her  dependencies;  and  France,  propagating  her  power 
in  Africa  and  Asia,  carries  with  it  the  refinement,  intelligence 
and  skill  which  may  at  some  time  elevate  the  people  she  civ 
ilizes  in  the  scale  of  nations. 

"  Shall  the  mighty  States  of  this  hemisphere — the  pioneers 
of.  the  liberal  principle  of  the  greatest  good  to  the  greatest 
number — be  known  to  the  red  and  black  races,  struggling  into 
existence,  under  liberal  forms  of  government,  in  neighboring 
climes,  suited  to  their  caste,  only  as  depredators  and  enslavers? 
They  seem  to  have  been  committed  to  our  guardianship  by  the 
gracious  Providence  that  has  conferred  so  many  blessings  upon 
us  in  the  achievement  of  our  own  liberties.  Shall  we  abuse  the 
power  thus  conferred  by  establishing  bondage  as  the  law  for 
all  whom  we  can  master?" 

A  remedy  for  these  anticipated  evils,  and  a  solution  of  this 
whole  slavery  problem  may  be  found  in  the  suggestions  of  our 
early  statesmen  while  they  were  casting  about  for  this  pur 
pose,  impressed  as  they  were  that  the  relation  of  master  and 
'  slave  was  to  be  tolerated  for  the  time  and  ultimately  to  die  out. 

It  can  be  found  by  simply  providing  for  the  peaceful  emi 
gration  from  all  the  States  of  this  Union,  of  all  the  free  colored 
persons  of  African  descent,  who  may  desire  to  emigrate,  to 
some  place  in  Central  or  South  America,  in  some  of  the  States 


is  Alexander  III,  who  came  to  the  throne  in  1855,  by  a  series  of  acts 
and  measures  emancipated  the  Russian  serfs. — ED. 

[22] 


1860]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

of  the  tropical  regions,  in  which  rights  may  be  acquired  by 
treaty  by  the  United  States,  for  that  purpose,  and  for  their 
benefit.  It  is  simply  that  these  people  may  go  and  mingle  with 
the  population  already  existing  in  those  States  (and  a  large 
portion  of  the  people  there  is  of  the  colored  race),  where  color 
is  no  degradation,  and  where  they  may  mingle  freely  together, 
with  all  the  rights  of  settlement  and  citizenship,  and  form 
themselves  into  colonies.20 

In  speaking  upon  this  proposed  measure,  Mr.  Jefferson  said: 
"It  was,  however,  found  that  the  public  mind  would  not  yet 
bear  the  proposition;  yet  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  it 
must  bear  it,  and  adopt  it,  or  worse  will  follow.  Nothing  is 
more  certainly  written  in  the  book  of  fate,  than  that  these 
people  (the  negroes)  are  to  be  free ;  nor  is  it  less  certain  that  the 
two  races,  equally  free,  cannot  live  in  the  same  government. 
Nature,  habit,  opinion,  have  drawn  indelible  lines  of  distinction 
between  them.  It  is  still  in  our  power  to  direct  the  process  of 
emancipation  and  deportation,  and  in  such  slow  degree  that  the 
evil  will  wear  off  insensibly,  and  their  place  be  pari  passu  filled 
up  by  free  white  laborers.  If,  on  the  contrary,  it  is  left  to  force 
itself  on,  human  nature  must  shudder  at  the  prospect  held  up. 
We  should  in  vain  look  for  an  example  in  the  Spanish  deporta 
tion  or  deletion  of  the  Moors."21 

In  a  letter  to  Mr.  Coles,  Mr.  Jefferson  thus  warns  his  friends 
in  the  South:  "Yet  the  hour  of. emancipation  is  advancing  in 
the  march  of  time.  It  will  come;  and  whether  brought  on  by 
the  generous  energies  of  our  own  friends,  or  by  the  bloody  proc- 


20  Colonization  projects  appeared  at  an  early  date.    The  American 
Colonization  Society  was  founded  in  1816.     Liberia  was  colonized  in 
1822.     There  were  other  projects  for  colonization  in  Texas  and  Haiti. 
The  idea  was  favored  in  the  South,  especially  for  free  blacks,  as  well 
as  in  the  North,  and  received  aid  from  the  United  States  government 
and  from  state  governments. — ED. 

21  Written  in  1821.     See  B.  L.  Rayner,  Sketches  of  Life  and  Writings 
of  Thomas  Jefferson  (New  York,  1832),  p.  164. — ED. 

[23] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [1860- 

ess  of  St.  Domingo  *  *  '  *  is  a  leaf  of  our  history  not 
yet  turned  over."22 

In  his  letter  to  Mr.  Sparks,  lie  says:  "The  second  object,  and 
most  interesting  to"  us,  as  coming  home  to  our  physical  and 
moral  characters,  to  our  happiness  and  safety,  is  to  provide  an 
asylum  to  which  we  can,  by  degrees,  send  the  whole  of  that 
population  from  among  us,  and  establish  them  under  our 
patronage  and  protection,  as  a  separate,  free  and  independent 
people,  in  some  country  and  climate  friendly  to  human  life  and 
happiness:"23 

In  consideration  of  the  commercial  advantages  of  a  free  trade 
with'  such  colonies,  the  United  States  could  well  make  all  neces 
sary  axfd  proper  engagements  to  maintain  them  in  the  enjoy- 
mont  of  the  rights  and  privileges,  acquired  by  a  treaty  made 
for  the  purpose  of  establishing  them  there.  Here  this  govern 
ment  can  do  something  worthy  of  a  great  nation.  A  way  of 
e'&cafce  would  be  offered  to  the  free  blacks  from  renewed  bond 
age.  Inducements  would  be  held  out  to  philanthropic  men  to 
emancipate  their  slaves;  the  northern  slave  States,  following 
the  lead  of  the  free  States  could  quietly  and  gradually  intro 
duce  free  labor  in  the  place  of  slave  labor,  thus  adding  to  their 
wealth  and  honor ;  the  great  evils  to  be  apprehended  from  an 
over-crowded  slave  population  would  be  avoided,  and  liberty 
prevail  throughout  a  land  universally  prosperous,  and  under 
the  sole  dominion  of  the  white  race.  The  commerce  of  these 
colonies,  increasing  with  their  age  and  civilization,  would  add 
to  our  accumulating  wealth  and  prosperity,  and  the  wrongs  of 
ages  of  oppression  be  blotted  out  from  the  book  of  remembrance 
forever.  To  this  it  must  come  sooner  or  later,  and  delay  only 
increases  the  difficulties  surrounding  us. 

To  lead  in  invoking  the  attention  of  the  whole  people  to  this 
great  enterprise  would  well  become  the  vigorous  young  States 


22  p.  L.  Ford  (ed.),  Writings  of  Thomas  Jefferson  (New  York,  1892), 
ix,  p.  478. — ED. 

23  Id,  x,  p.  290 —ED. 


i860]  ANNUAL   MESSAGE 

of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  which  have  grown  up  under  the 
shadow"  of  the  tree  of  liberty  planted  by  Virginia. 

A  memorial  to  Congress  on  this  subject  is  seriously  recom 
mended.  -* 

Peaceable  and  legal  remedies  alone  can  relieve  us  of  slavery 
extension  and  slavery  agitation. 

The  provoking  riots  at  Harper's  Ferry,  which  were  dignified 
into  treason  against  the  Government  of  the  State  of  Virginia, 
were  the  fit  offspring  of  the  forcible  attempt  to  plant  Slavery 
in  Kfinsjis  and  the  legitimate  fruits  of  the  repeal  of  the  Missouri 
Compromise. 

However  much  -we  may  admire  brave  men- and  heroic  deeds, 
we  can  find  in  them  no  excuse  for  attempts  by  force  to  undo 
domestic  evils  under  a  government  like  ours.  The  theory  of 
our  government  is,  tha.t  it  is  one  of  law,  not  of  force.  There 
are  peaceful  and  legal  remedies  by  which  wrongs  may  be  re- 
dressed.  Justice  for 'the  sins  of  nations,  as  for  the  sins  of  in 
dividuals,  though  sometimes  apparently  slow,  is  always  sure  as 
the  execution  of  Divine  Judgments.  While  we  remain  a  gov 
ernment  of  banded  States,  good  faith  requires  that  no  State, 
and  the  citizens  of  no  State,  shall  interfere  with  the  institu 
tions  of  any  other  State.  While  Wisconsin  will  suffer  no  hostile 
invasion  from  any  other  State  or  the  citizens  thereof,  so  it 
must  repress  any  hostile  attempts  upon  the  institutions  of  its 
sister  States.  The  occasion  of  the  difficulties  at  Harper's  Ferry 
was  signalized  by  crimes  committed  both  by  invaders  and  in 
vaded.  No  matter  how  philanthropic  or  humane  the  motives  of 
misguided  men  may  have  been,  they  committed  wrongs  in  the 
eye  of  the  law  which  cannot  by  goo.d  citizens  be  palliated  or 
excused.25 


24  NO  such  memorial  was  introduced. — ED. 

25  The  reference  is  to  John  Brown's  capture  of  the  United  States 
arsenal  at  Harper's  Ferry  on  Oct.  16,  1859.    For  detailed  account  see 
F.  E.   Chadwick,  Causes  of  the  Civil  War   (American  Nation  series, 
New  York,  1906),  index;  also  Rhodes,  United  States,  ii,  index.— ED. 

[25] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86a- 

The  disunion  sentiments  avowed  in  portions  of  the  country, 
and  sometimes  in  our  Halls  of  National  Legislation,  are  un 
patriotic,  undignified,  disgraceful.  Every  threat  of  disunion 
should  be  held  up  to  public  reprobation  in  all  sections  of  the 
Union,  and  every  attempt  at  disunion  rewarded  with  a  halter. 
The  Union  of  these  states  cannot  be  dissolved.  It  may  be 
rocked,  but  cannot  be  overturned. — There  is  no  conceivable 
contingency  in  which  it  can  be  consented  to.  A  disruption, 
instead  of  relieving  us  from  present  evils,  would  involve  all 
sections  in  far  greater  evils.  While  the  North  asks  nothing  that 
is  wrong,  it  will  submit  to  no  wrong,  but  will  seek  its  remedy 
in  wholesome  laws,  wisely  enacted  and  firmly  executed.  If  any 
state  forgets  its  allegiance,  it  must  be  brought  back.  The  South 
is  entitled  to  be  left  unmolested  in  her  domestic  relations  and 
institutions,  and  must  be  content  with  that;  while  both  sections 
of  the  Union,  striving  to  do  exact  justice  to  each  other,  may  yet 
be  relieved  from  all  jealousies  and  heartburnings,  and  escape 
the  derision  of  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

4 'Faith  without  works  is  dead."  Labor,  and  vigilance,  and 
honesty  of  purpose,  devoted  to  the  welfare  of  the  State,  and  of 
the  common  country,  with  an  earnest  desire  for  the  prosperity 
and  happiness  of  the  whole  people,  will  dispel  all  the  darkness 
that  envelopes  us,  and  restore  the  hopes  of  permanent  prosper 
ity.  With  a  just  pride  we  may  then  look,  in  the  past,  upon 
the  budding,  opening  glory  of  Young  America  as  she  was,  and, 
in  the  present,  upon  her  rich  ripeness  as  she  is. 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 

MADISON,  Jan.  12,  1860. 


26] 


i86o]  INADEQUATE   MILITIA   LAWS 


A  SPECIAL  MESSAGE 

was  sent  to  the  Legislature  by  the  Governor,  on  March  7,  1860, 

as  follows: 

MADISON,  Wis.,  March  7,  1860. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

On  two  occasions  in  my  messages  I  have  called  the  attention 
of  the  Legislature  to  the  inadequacy  of  the  militia  laws  of  the 
State.  The  law  declares  that  "it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Gov 
ernor,  and  of  all  the  subordinate  officers  of  the  State,  to  main 
tain  and  defend  its  sovereignty  and  jurisdiction."26 

The  Constitution  makes  it  the  duty  of  the  Governor  to  "take 
<?are  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed." 

The  Governor  is  made,  by  the  Constitution,  "  commander-in- 
chief  of  the  military  and  naval  powers  of  the  State."27 

Section  4,  of  chapter  31,  of  the  Revised  Statutes  reads — ' '  The 
Governor  shall  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  militia  of  this 
State,  except  when  called  into  the  service  of  the  United  States/' 
etc.28 

Either  the  constitution  of  the  State  is  wrong,  or  the  statute 
is  wrong.  They  materially  disagree.  While  the  constitution 
makes  the  Governor  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  militia,  the 
Legislature  must  direct  how  the  militia  is  to  be  used,  and  fur 
nish  the  means1  for  support  while  in  service.  Under  the  militia 
laws  of  this  State,  the  power  of  the  Executive  over  the  militia 
is  confined  mostly  to  making  and  unmaking  military  officers 
and  organizations,  and  to  suppressing  riots.  The  entire  mili 
tary  organization  is  wholly  inefficient,  and  the  authority  of  the 
Executive  wholly  inadequate  to  meet  any  contingency  where 
the  rights,  or  jurisdiction,  or  sovereignty  of  the  State  are  im 
posed  upon  by  usurpation  for  aggression  from  without,  or 


2_eSee  ante,  p.  13,  note  10.— Ed. 

27  Both  quotations  are  from  art.  5,  sec.  4. — ED. 

28  Wis.  Rev.   Statutes,   1858.— Ed. 

[27] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [iS6o- 

where  they  are  likely  to  suffer  from  insurrection  or  rebellion 
from  within..  Expenses  incurred  in  the  use  of  a  military  force 
must  be  paid  as  they  are  incurred.  I  shall  undertake  to  do, 
in  all  cases,  and  without  regard  to  consequences,  whatever  the 
Legislature  may  or  shall  constitutionally  authorize  or  require, 
to  the  full  extent  of  the  power  conferred  and  means  furnished 
for  the  performance  of  public  duties. 

I  deem  it  my  duty  to  again  call  the  attention  of  the  Legis 
lature  to  this  subject,  because  of  the  radical  defects  in  our 
Militia  Laws.29 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


29  The  committee  on  militia,  to  which  the  message  was  referred  in 
the  Senate,  brought  in  minority  and  majority  reports;  see  Wis.  Sen. 
Jour.,  1860,  pp.  733-734,  787-789.  A  similar  committee  of  the  Assembly 
brought  in  a  report  on  March  13,  which  was,  however,  on  the  next  day 
crdered  expunged,  as  being  the  report  not  of  the  committee  but  of 
the  minority  thereof;  Assem.  Jour.,  1860,  pp.  682,  701. — ED. 


28} 


I86i ]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


1861.    Fourteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  9- 

April  17 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  10,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

which   contained   the    following    references   to    the    impending 
national  crisis: 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 


The  annual  report  of  the  Adjutant  General,  shows  that  fifty- 
two  unifo.rmed  volunteer  companies  are  organized  and  armed, 
and  in  various  states  of  efficiency,  numbering  1,992  rank  and 
file.  Besides  these  companies,  twelve  others,  in  different  por-. 
tions  of  the  State,  have  applied  for  organization  and  equip 
ment.  Should  the  last  mentioned  companies  be  regularly 
equipped  with  the  legal  number  of  arms,  the  total  number 
would  be  2,473.  But  the  State  has  not  the  means  to  arm  more 
than  three  or  four  of  the  companies  applying,  and  the  annual 
quota,  to  which  the  State  is  entitled  under  the  p'ractice  of  the 
Federal  Government  of  late  years,  will  only  give  us  sufficient 
for  about  three  companies  more.30 

Efforts  have  been  made  during  the  past  year,  by  the  Adju 
tant  General,  to  bring  the  uniformed  militia  up  to  a  standard 
of  greater  efficiency,  and  with  some  degree  of  success;  but  the 


30  At  this  time  the  Federal  government  distributed  arms  among  the 
States  in  proportion  to  their  number  of  senators  and  representatives 
in  Congress.— ED. 

[29] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

fact  is  nevertheless  apparent  that  the  organization  of  military 
companies  has  been  too  often  the  result  of  the  desire  of  locali 
ties  to  obtain  the  means  of  making  a  display  on  anniversary  oc 
casions,  and  when  the  arms  have  been  obtained  from  the  State, 
the  object  of  the  organization  is  too  often  deemed  accomplished, 
and  the  company  seldom  meets  for  drill  thereafter;  the  men 
resign  after  a  time,  and  the  company  maintains  but  a  nominal 
existence.  It  is  for  the  Legislature  to  consider  whether  this 
state  of  things  ought  to  continue,  and  whether  there  is  any 
thing  in  the  signs  of  the  times  which  should  cause  steps  to  be 
taken  to  place  the  Volunteer  Militia  upon  a  more  efficient  foot 
ing.  The  number  of  persons  subject  to  military  duty  in  the 
State  exceeds  130,000. 


SPECIAL  PREMIUMS 

In  view  of  the  probable  difficulties  which  may  embroil  the 
States  of  the  Union,  but  more  especially  with  a  purpose  of  de 
veloping  new  agricultural  products,  and  rendering  our  citizens 
more  nearly  independent  by  reason  of  their  home  productions, 
I  have  deemed  it  proper  to  call  the  especial  attention  of  the 
Legislature  to  the  propriety  of  special  premiums  on  one  or  two 
products,  from  whose  diffusion  important  and  valuable  results 
may  be  anticipated. 

The  annual  expenditure  of  the  people  of  the  State,  for  sup 
plies  of  sugars  and  syrups,  reaches  beyond  a  million  of  dollars. 
Experience  has  already  demonstrated  that  the  recently-acquired 
Imphee,  Sorghum',  or  Chinese  Sugar  Cane  plants,  may  become 
acclimated,  and  open  a  wide  field  for  the  enterprise  of  agri 
culturists.  Thus  far,  the  cultivation  has  only  been  experimen 
tal,  and  on  too  limited  a  scale  to  be  regarded  as  a  fair  test. 
But  these  experiments,  made  generally  in  connection  with  other 
pressing  labors  distracting  the  attention,  with  limited  means 
and  inadequate  apparatus,  have  afforded  very  satisfactory  re 
sults.  They  seem  to  render  it  certain,  that  every  acre  of  good 
cane  will  produce  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  three  hun- 

[30] 


1861]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

dred  gallons  of  syrup,  equal  in  quality  to  any  imported,  and 
that  the  manufacture  of  sugar  is  also  an  attainable  end,  at  but 
moderate  cost. 

It  is  difficult  to  induce  agriculturists,  engaged  in  the  common 
farm  pursuits,  to  devote  their  attention  to  a  new  crop  on  a 
sufficiently  large  scale,  and  incur  the  necessary  outlay  of  cap 
ital  required,  without  some  special  inducement.  I  suggest, 
therefore,  whether  it  is  not  a  matter  of  sufficient  importance  to 
the  State  to  offer  for  one  or  two  years,  under  suitable  restric 
tions,  liberal  premiums  or  rewards  to  the  producer  of  the  great 
est  amount  of  cane,  and  the  largest  yield  of  sugar  and  syrup 
of  approved  quality.  Ten  premiums  could  be  so  graduated  as 
to  call  for  a  sum  not  exceeding  $3,500  in  the  aggregate,  making 
the  highest  one  thousand  and  the  lowest  one  hundred,  and 
would,  in  my  opinion,  invite  a  lively  competition,  from  which 
the  State,  in  time,  would  reap  very  essential  benefits. 

The  cultivation  of  flax,  also,  is  a  branch  of  agriculture  en 
titled  to  special  encouragement.  Recent  scientific  discoveries 
have  rendered  it  probable  that  a  material  can  be  fabricated 
from  this  plant  under  certain  chemical  processes,  similar  but 
much  superior  to  cotton,  and  at  a  cost,  not  much,  if  any  greater. 
If  these  results  should  be  realized,  the  cultivation  of  the  crop 
in  increased  quantities  will  prove  highly  important  in  an  eco 
nomic  point  of  view,  and  would  add  one  step  more  towards 
freeing  us  from  dependence  on  foreign  States  for  articles  of 
indispensable  necessity.31 


si  Chinese  and  African  sugar  cane  were  introduced  into  Wisconsin 
by  the  State  Agricultural  Society  in  1857.  Statistics  collected  by  the 
Society  in  1860  showed  314  acres  under  cultivation,  51,085  gallons  of 
molasses  made,  and  3,493  pounds  of  sugar;  Wis.  State  Agr.  Soc.,  Tran 
sactions  (Madison,  1860),  p.  56.  During  the  decade  from  1900  to  1910, 
Wisconsin  stood  first  among  the  non-irrigated  states  in  the  Union  In 
the  production  of  sugar  beets,  and  first  among  all  the  states  in  the 
production  of  flax. — Eb. 


31] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [ T  86 *: 


MILITARY  ORGANIZATION 

I  have  before  called  the  attention  of  the  Legislature  to  the 
necessity  of  some  further  legislation  to  aid  in  a  more  efficient 
organization  of  the  militia  of  the  State.  While  there  is  a  mere 
skeleton  of  an  organization,  no  efficient  use  can  be  made  of  it  to 
suppress  insurrection  or  rebellion  from  within,  or  to  prevent 
aggressions  from  abroad.  The  militia  may  be  used,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Executive,  to  sustain  the  civil  arm  of  the  Gov 
ernment,  and  to  aid  in  the  execution  of  the  laws.  The  laws  are 
to  be  executed  only  in  the  manner  directed  by  the  laws  them 
selves,  and  the  military  forces  can  only  be  used  to  aid  the  of 
ficers  of  the  law  in  executing  the  process  of  a  court,  when  ob 
structions  are  placed  in  the  way,  and  in  suppressing  riots.  No 
provision  whatever  has  ever  been  made  to  meet  the  expenses 
which  would  necessarily  be  incurred  in  the  use  of  a  military 
force,  for  any  purpose  whatever.  While,  therefore,  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Executive  to  see  that  the  laws  are  faithfully  ex 
ecuted,  he  is  left  comparatively  powerless — called  upon  to  exe 
cute  without  means  of  execution.  The  signs  of  the  times  in 
dicate  that  there  may  arise  a  contingency  in  the  condition  of 
the  Government,  when  it  will  become  necessary  to  respond  to  a 
call  of  the  National  Government  for  men  and  means  to  main 
tain  the  integrity  of  the  Union,  and  to  thwart  the  designs  of 
men  engaged  in  an  organized  treason.  While  no  unnecessary 
expense  should  be  incurred,  yet  it  is  the  part  of  wisdom,  both 
for  individuals  and  States,  in  revolutionary  times,  to  be  pre 
pared  to  defend  our  institutions  to  the  last  extremity.  I  com 
mend  this  subject  to  your  wisdom  and  discretion. 

SLAVERY,    DISUNION,    ETC. 

By  the  original  articles  of  Confederation,  the  States  of  New 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence 
Plantations,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania, 
1)  el  aware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina, 

[32] 


1861 1  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

and  Georgia,  severally  entered  into  "a  firm  league  of  friend 
ship  with  each  other  for  their  common  defence,  the  security  of 
their  liberties,  and  their  mutual  and  general  welfare ; ' '  binding 
themselves  to  assist  each  other  "against  all  force  offered  to,  or 
attacks  made  upon  them,  or  any  of  them,  on  account  of  religion, 
sovereignty,  trade,  or  any  other  pretence  whatever."  Each 
State  retained  its  sovereignty,  freedom,  and  independence,  and 
every  power,  jurisdiction,  and  right  which  was  not  by  the  Con 
federation  expressly  delegated  to  the  United  States,  in  Congress 
assembled. 

This  was  a  league  of  the  States,  and  not  a  government  of  the 
people  of  the  United  States. 

Experience  soon  proved  that  while  in  some  respects  that 
species  of  government  answered  the  purpose  for  which  it  was 
created  yet  the  diversity  of  local  and  sectional  interests,  and 
the  claims  of  the  several  States  themselves,  to  the  right  to  exer 
cise  powers  not  too  well  defined,  and  the  differences  gradually 
growing  up  between  the  several  States,  from  a  variety  of 
causes,  showed  the  necessity  of  a  form  of  government  widely 
different  in  principle,  which  should  acquire  and  maintain  a 
larger  degree  of  permanent  strength  and  efficiency,  by  making 
the  people  themselves,  instead  of  the  several  States,  directly 
parties  to  it. 

The  Confederation  was  a  league  of  friendship  between  the 
States,  having  in  view,  as  declared,  the  common  defense  of  the 
States;  the  security  of  the  liberty  of  the  States,  the  mutual 
general  welfare  of  the  States;  as  they  bound  themselves,  each. 
separately  speaking  for  itself  and  not  for  the  people,  to  assist 
each  other  against  all  force  offered  to,  or  attacks  made  upon 
them  on  account  of  religion,  sovereignty,  trade,  or  any  other 
pretence  whatever.  .  The  technical  obligation  was  tha.t  the  Con 
federation  should  make  common  cause  in  defending  any  State; 
in  securing  the  liberty  of  any  State,  and  its  general  welfare; 
that  the  States  assist  each  other  against  all  force  offered,  not  to 
the  people,  but  to  the  State ;  against  all  attacks  made  upon  the 
States,  and  not  against  attacks  made  upon  the  people,  on  ac- 

3  [33] 


GOVERNOR   RANDALL  [l86l~ 

count  of  religion,  sovereignty  of  the  States — not  sovereignty  of 
the  people;  trade  of  the  States — not  attacks  upon  the  trade  of 
the  people.  The  league  was,  in  other  words,  to  protect  the 
States  in  the  enjoyment  of  their  rights  as  such,  and  to  protect 
State  sovereignty,  so  far  as  the  States  were  sovereign,  without 
regard  to  the  rights  of  the  people  themselves,  which  were  solely 
to  be  determined,  except  in  a  few  enumerated  cases,  by  the 
government  of  the  several  States  themselves.  It  was  a  com 
pact  between  several  sovereign  powers,  virtually  distinct  from 
each  other,  made  for  certain  specified  purposes,  and  to  aid 
each  other  in  the  exercise  of  their  several  prerogatives  as  in 
dependent  States.  The  people,  strictly,  did  not  make  it. 

The  statesmen  of  that  day,  satisfied  that  that  species  of  gov 
ernment  must  ultimately  prove  a  failure  to  a  very  great  degree, 
devised  a  new  system,  which,  while  it  retained  a  few  of  the 
features  of  the  Confederation,  so  far  as  the  limited  independ 
ence  of  the  States  was  concerned,  was  materially  different,  par 
ticularly  in  that  the  people  themselves,  as  a  people,  instead  of 
States,  became  parties  to  it.  A  league  of  States  was  turned 
into  a  government  of  the  people.  It  was  necessarily  made  to 
embrace  a  great  variety  of  particulars,  in  order  to  accommodate 
the  interests,  or  opinions  of  interests,  of  the  States  whose  several 
peoples  became  parties  to  it,  and  it  involved  the  necessity  of  a 
spirit  of  accommodation  to  the  reasonable  expectations  of  the 
people,  and  of  moulding  and  arranging  the  particulars  which 
composed  the  whole  in  a  manner  to  satisfy,  so  far  as  possible, 
all  the  parties  to  it.  It  was~made,  not  for  the  benefit  of  any 
State;  to  gratify  any  whim,  caprice,  or  passion;  to  pander  to 
any  local  influence,  or  to  protect  or  foster  any  local  interest. 

In  the  one  case,  the  States  made  the  articles  of  confederation 
for  the  States  themselves.  In  the  other  case,  the  people  of  the 
United  States  ordained  and  established  our  present  Constitu 
tion,  "for  the  United  States  of  America.'' 

In  the  one  case,  the  States  entered  into  a  league  of  friend 
ship  with  each  other,  for  their  common  defense,  the  security 
of  their  liberties,  their  mutual  and  general  welfare;  binding 

[34] 


1861]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

themselves  to  assist  each  other  against  all  force  offered  to  or 
attacks  made  upon  them,  etc. 

'  In  the  other  case,  ' '  The  people  of  the  United  States,  in  order 
to  form  a  more  perfect  Union,  establish  justice,  ensure  domes 
tic  tranquility,  provide  for  the  common  defense,  promote  the 
general  welfare,  and  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty  to  them 
selves  and  their  posterity,  ordained  and  established  this  Con 
stitution,  for  the  United  States  of  America." 

Here  are  the  different  purposes  avowed  in  the  organization 
of  the  two  systems  of  government.  One  looking  particularly 
to  the  benefit  and  interest  of  the  States,  and  the  other  more  to 
the  protection  of  the  rights  of  the  people.  Under  the  new  sys 
tem,  the  people  delegated  certain  powers,  by  the  Constitution, 
particularly  enumerated  to  be  solely  exercised  by  the  General 
Government  of  the  United  States.  At  the  same  time  they  de 
clare  that  "the  enumeration  in  the  Constitution  of  certain 
rights,  should  not  be  construed  to  deny  or  disparage  others 
retained  by  the  people;"  also  that  "the  powers  not  delegated 
to  the  United  States  by  the  Constitution,  nor  prohibited  by  it, 
to  the  States,  are  reserved  to  the  States  respectively  or  to  the 
people." 

Here  are  absolute  grants  and  positive  reservations,  with  the 
clear  declaration  that  by  the  enumeration  of  certain  rights  in 
the  Constitution  conferred  upon  a  General  Government,  there 
should  be  no  construction  that  they  denied  or  disparaged  any 
of  the  rights  not  enumerated,  but  retained  by  them.  While 
they  give  up  certain  rights  and  conferred  or  delegated  certain 
powers,  they  did  not  give  up  all,  nor  did  they  in  set  terms 
reserve  all  that  were  reserved,  but  in  their  delegation  and  re 
servation  assumed  that  there  were  other  rights  than  those 
enumerated,  which  were  not  to  be  denied  or  disparaged,  the 
same  being  retained  by  the  people  themselves.  So  the  powers 
held,  and  to  be  exercised,  by  what  we  call  the  General  Govern 
ment  are  only  those  expressly  delegated,  or  such  implied  pow 
ers  as  become  absolutely  necessary  to  be  used  in  the  exercise  of 
delegated  powers.  The  government  takes  nothing  but  what 

[35] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

the  Constitution  gives  it  and  the  States  respectively,  and  the 
people  part  with  nothing — lose  nothing — but  what  they  have  in 
express  terms  given  away.  The  United  States  are  sovereign 
and  independent  in  the  exercise  of  delegated  powers,  and  the 
States  and  the  people  sovereign  and  independent  in  the  exer 
cise  of  all  reserved  and  non-enumerated  powers  of  government. 
The  government  of  each  State  belongs  to  the  people  of  that  State. 
The  government  of  the  United  States  belongs  to  the  people  of 
the  United  States.  The  people  of  each  State  may  mould  and 
control  the  civil  and  political  institutions  pertaining  peculiarly 
to  itself,  and  so  long  as  they  do  not  act  in  conflict  with  the  Con 
stitution  of  the  United  States,  may  change  their  system  as  they 
please,  without  consulting  the  General  Government.  The  peo 
ple  of  the  United  States  alone  can  change  the  character  of  the 
General  Government.  The  General  Government  cannot  change 
the  character  of  a  State  Government,  or  usurp  or  exercise  any 
power  over  it  not  delegated,  nor  can  any  State,  or  the  people 
of  any  one  State,  change  the  character  of  the  United  States 
Government,  abridge  its  powers  or  add  anything  to  them;  re 
strict  or  increase  its  jurisdiction  or  authority,  impair  any  of 
its  rights,  violate  its  constitutional  laws,  or  disturb  its  integrity 
and  wholeness. 

Each  State  has  the  power,  within  its  own  jurisdiction,  as  it 
is  its  duty,  to  protect  the  rights  of  persons  and  property  of  its 
citizens;  and  the  citizen  of  any  one  State,  sojourning  in  any 
other  State,  as  a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  has  a  right  to  be 
protected  in  his  person  by  the  government  of  the  United  States, 
in  the  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  all  the  privileges  and  immuni 
ties  which  belong  to  him  under  the  Constitution,  which  is  the 
common  charter  and  shield  of  the  whole  people. 

The  government  of  the  United  States  is  Federal  in  a  limited 
sense,  so  far  as  in  the  exercise  of  its  powers  it  operates  upon  the 
political  bodies  called  States,  in  their  political  capacity.  But 
so  far  as  it  operates  "upon  the  people  in  their  individual  capa 
cities,  in  its  ordinary  and  essential  proceedings,  it  is  purely 
National,  though  limited  in  its  jurisdiction.  The  governments 

[36] 


186*]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

both  of  the  several  States  and  the  United  States,  are  inviolable 
within  their  distinct  spheres.     The  people  act,  make  and  un 
make  constitutions  and  laws,  by  processes  known  only  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  several  States  or  the  United  States.     The 
government  is  one  of  law  and  not  of  force,  and  there  is  no 
revolutionary  element  in  its  character.     The  Constitution  tells 
us  how  it  may  be  changed,  and  tells  us  the  only  peaceable  mode 
of  changing  it.     It  tells  us  how  boundaries  and  territorial  jur 
isdiction  may  be  extended  and  enlarged.     It  gives  power  to 
Congress  to  admit  new  States,  but  no  power  to  turn  one  out. 
By  virtue   of  its   complete   sovereignty   and  independence   as 
against  all  the  other  nations  of  the  earth,  and  as  a  power  neces 
sarily  incident  to  government,  it  may  acquire  new  territory  by 
treaty,  by  conquest  or  by  purchase.     It  has  power  in  itself  to 
strengthen  and  confirm  the  government,  making  it  greater,  rich 
er,  stronger;  but  no  where  in  it  is  found  a  delegated  power  to 
aid  in  breaking  in  pieces  the  Union,  or  to  suffer  it  to  be  broken. 
When  the  Government  was  made  it  was  intended  to  be  per 
petual,  and  no  plan  or  device  was  suggested  or  conceived  where 
by  it  could  be  destroyed.     Mr.  Madison  concisely  stated  the  del 
egated,  and  some  of  the  reserved,  powers  of  the  National  and 
State   governments.     "The  powers  delegated  in  the  Constitu 
tion  to  the  Government  are  few  and  defined.     Those  which  re 
main  in  the  State  governments  are  numerous  and  indefinite. 
The  former  will  be  exercised  principally  on  external  objects, 
as  war,  peace,  negotiations  and  foreign  commerce;  with  which 
last  the  power  of  taxation  will,  for  the  most  part,  be  connected. 
The  powers  reserved  to  the  several  states  will  extend  to  all  the 
objects  which,  in  the  ordinary  course  of  affairs,  concern  the 
lives,  liberties  and  properties  of  the  people;  and  the  internal 
order,  improvement,  and  prosperity  of  the  State.     The  opera 
tions  of  the  Federal  Government  will  be  most  extensive  and 
important  in  times  of  war  and  danger;  those  of  the  State  gov 
ernments  in  times  of  peace  and  security/'32     In  the  exercise 


32  From  The  Federalist,  no.  45,  p.  290. — ED. 

[37] 


GOVERNOR   RANDALL  El86l~ 

of  the  various  powers  by  these  different  governments,  great  care 
and  prudence  must  ever  be  exercised.  The  reserved  rights  of 
the  States  are  not  to  be  imposed  upon  or  impaired  by  usurpa 
tions  of  the  National  Government,  or  any  of  its  departments, 
nor  is  a  single  delegated  power  to  be  restricted  or  opposed  in 
its  exercise.  The  General  Government  is  to  look  to  the  general 
-welfare,  and  to  the  integrity  and  perpetuity  of  the  Union  for 
the  great  purposes  for  which  it  was  established;  while  the 
States  must  take  care  of  the  lives  and  liberties  and  properties 
of  the  people,  and  the  internal  order,  improvement  and  pros 
perity  of  the  State. 

This  Government,  so  artfully  conceived  and  skillfully  formed, 
with  its  legislative,  judicial  and  executive  departments,  as  be 
tween  State  and  National,  claiming  of  right,  a  double  allegi 
ance — an  allegiance  not  inconsistent  or  antagonistic — compli 
cated  yet  simple,  is  today  involved  in  strange  difficulties,  and 
perhaps  dangers.  For  three  score  years  the  States  multiplied 
and  waxed  strong;  the  nation  grew  great  and  rich,  beloved  at 
home,  and  respected  and  feared  abroad.  The  citizens  of  the 
United  States,  in  any  part  of  the  civilized  world,  had  but  to 
declare  their  country,  and  nations  respected  their  rights.  To 
day,  citizens  of  independent  States  and  of  the  United  States, 
within  the  national  jurisdiction,  upon  American  soil,  are  mob 
bed  and  hung  upon  the  next  tree,  for  the  mere  expression  of 
opinion  upon  questions  both  of  radical  principle  and  of  public 
policy  and  sometimes  for  even  refusing  to  express  an  opinion — 
silence  being  construed  into  crime. 

The  idea  of  Mr.  Jefferson,  that  Governments  derived  their 
just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed — not  from  a 
part,  but  from  the  whole  governed — runs  through  and  is  the 
spirit  of  our  common  Constitution.  The  people  who  were  to 
live  under  it  and  to  be  protected  by  it,  made  it  for  themselves 
and  consented  to  abide  by  it,  paying  it  their  obedience  as  they 
claimed  its  protection.  Government  is  the  exercise  of  the  power 
of  making  and  executing  laws.  Here  those  who  exercise  this 
power  of  making  and  executing  the  laws  are  not,  or  at  least 

[38] 


1861]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

should  not  be,  self-chosen.  The  people  choose  or  should  choose 
whom  they  will  to  exercise  this  power,  for  their  own  purpose 
and  benefit,  limited  in  that  exercise  only  by  the  rule  of  that 
Constitution  which  the  people  themselves  have  made.  It  was 
made  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  and  not  for  the  purpose 
of  taking  away  inalienable  rights,  for  the  purpose  of  protect 
ing  and  preserving  civil  and  religious  liberty,  and  not  for  the 
purpose  of  extending  human  slavery.  So  said  the  fathers  of 
our  system,  who,  while  they  tolerated  slavery  as  an  existing 
institution,  deemed  that  ultimately  it  would  be  extinguished, 
and  the  nation  become  in  fact  what  it  is  in  theory,  the  home  of 
universal  Liberty.  Interest,  and  passion,  and  ambition  have 
startled  the  civilization  of  the  age  with  strange  ideas  of  gov 
ernment,  and  of  the  equality  of  mankind.  The  theory  that 
this  Government  is  a  machine  to  be  used  to  extend  Slavery 
wherever  its  power  and  jurisdiction  reaches,  and  wherever  our 
national  flag  floats;  and  that  when  so  extended,  the  whole  pow 
er  of  the  nation  should  be  used  to  sustain  the  institution  there, 
through  the  direct  declarations  or  implied  consent  of  the  head 
of  the  government,  and  the  chiefs  of  its  departments,  has  taken 
so  strong  a  hold  upon  the  people  of  large  sections  of  the  coun 
try,  that  a  wild  excitement  rages  upon  the  subject. 

"Within  the  last  year — as  is  a  legal  habit  once  in  four  years — • 
the  people,  in  the  usual  constitutional  way,  without  force  or 
violence;  with  no  armed  bands;  with  no  hostile  or  wicked  in 
tent;  with  no  serried  ranks  or  glittering  bayonets,  elected  a 
President  of  the  United  States.  The  choice  of  the  people,  as 
shown  in  the  selection  made  by  the  electors,  is  a  peaceable, 
quiet  citizen,  undeniably  eligible  to  the  office.  His  opinions 
upon  questions  of  public  policy  are  precisely  such  as  have  been 
entertained  by  those  who  have  held  the  high  office  and  dis 
charged  its  duties  before  him.  Believing  that  human  slavery 
is  in  antagonism  to  that  common  liberty  sought  to  be  established 
and  maintained  under  our  common  Constitution,  he  is  opposed 
to  its  extension  into  the  Free  Territories  of  the  United  States. 

[39] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

"While  lie  consents  to  the  fact  of  the  existence  of  slavery  in 
many  of  the  States,  and  avows  that  there  is  no  right  in  the 
Free  States,  or  in  the  General  Government,  to  any  interference, 
directly  or  indirectly,  with  slavery  in  the  Slave  States,  he  is 
opposed  to  its  extension  unauthorized  by  law.  The  multitude 
of  people  by  whose  suffrages  he  has  been  elected,  entertain  the 
same  views.  There  is  nothing  unconstitutional  in  entertaining 
such  views,  or  in  expressing  or  avowing  such  opinions.  There 
is  no  pretence  by  any  considerable  number  of  people  anywhere, 
that  there  can  be  any  legal  interference  with  slavery  in  the 
Slave  States,  except  by  the  people  of  the  States  themselves.  The 
right  or  power  of  interfering  by  force  is  almost  universally 
denied. 

Yet,  on  account  of  the  result  of  such  an  election,  interfering 
with  the  rights  of  no  people  or  class  of  people,  either  in  or  out 
of  the  slave  States;  taking  away  the  rights  of  no  State  nor  of 
the  people  of  any  State;  and  on  account  of  opinions  and  prin 
ciples  precisely  such  as  were  entertained  by  Washington  and 
Jefferson  and  Madison,  and  all  the  early  Presidents  and  states 
men  both  in  the  slaveholding  and  non-slaveholding  States,  vio 
lence  is  invoked,  and  armed  men,  making  actual  war  upon  the 
nation,  threaten  a  dissolution  of  this  Union,  and  the  destruc 
tion  of  this  government.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
makes  no  man  a  slave.  It  makes  slaves  of  no  class  of  men. 
The  great  leading  idea  of  the  government,  that  underlies  all, 
overshadows  all,  permeates  all,  is  civil  and  religious  liberty. 
The  idea  that  slavery  under  such  a  Constitution  goes  traveling 
into  the  free  territories,  without  any  local  law  in  those  terr  I 
tories  authorizing  or  tolerating  it,  is  both  absurd  and  wicked. 
Men  are  not  universally  recognized  as  property,  or  as  the  com 
mon  subjects  of  property.  The  fact  that  a  class  of  men  are 
held  as  slaves  under  the  laws  of  any  given  State,  does  not  make 
them  slaves  out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  that  State  unless  it  can 
be  legally  and  legitimately  assumed  that  the  laws  of  a  slave 
State  follow  the  slave  outside  of  that  State,  and  are  in  actual 

[40] 


i86i]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

force  beyond  its  limits.  Because  the  people  of  the  free  States 
entertain  views  opposed  to  slavery  extension,  and  because  they 
have  elected  a  President  of  the  same  faith,  war  is  threatened, 
and  devastation  and  blood. 

A  variety  of  excuses  are  made  for  the  threatening  attitude 
assumed  toward  the  government  and  Union.  The  extreme 
Southern  States  complain  of  the  Personal  Liberty  Bills,  and 
demand  their  immediate  and  unconditional  repeal.33 

In  the  slave  States  farthest  South,  from  which  a  slave  ha» 
scarcely  ever  escaped,  there  is  the  most  apparent  excitement  on 
this  subject.  Further  complaints  are  made  because  of  the 
difficulty  of  enforcing  the  fugitive  slave  law  in  the  North. 
Odious  as  that  law  is,  it  has  been  enforced  in  almost  every  State 
where  the  attempt  has  been  made.  Whether  right  or  wrong, 
this  is  the  fact.  That  people  should  object  to  an  odious,  and 
as  they  believe,  unconstitutional  law,  which  calls  upon  them  to 
aid  in  reducing  men  to  slavery,  is  not  remarkable.  A  change 
in  its  oppressive  features  would,  just  to  the  extent  of  the  change, 
do  away  with  hostility  to  it. 

Personal  liberty  laws  are  found  or  should  be  found,  upon 
the  statutes  of  every  State.  They  ought  to  be  there.  All  States 
have  them,  both  North  and  South,  varying  in  their  character 


ss  The  personal  liberty  laws  were  an  effort  on  the  part  of  many  of 
the  Northern  states  to  destroy  the  operation  of  the  Fugitive  Slave  Daw. 
Their  ostensible  object  was  to  protect  free  negroes  residing  in  the  North 
from  being  carried  into  slavery  on  the  charge  of  being  fugitive  slaves. 
Their  real  object  was  to  make  the  capture  and  return  of  escaped  slaves'  BO 
difficult  that  any  effort  toward  such  an  end  would  be  discouraged. 
They  provided  accordingly  for  extending  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  and 
the  right  to  a  jury  trial  to  alleged  fugitives;  prohibited  the  aid  of 
State  officers  or  the  use  of  State  jails  for  their  capture;  established 
free  legal  aid;  and  laid  down  rigorous  penalties  for  any  attempt  at 
kidnapping  free  persons.  See  Alex.  Johnston,  "Personal  Liberty  Laws," 
in  J.  J.  Lalor,  Cyclopaedia  of  Political  Science  (Chicago,  1881),  ill, 
p.  162. — ED. 

[41] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

and  provisions,  yet  still  personal  liberty  laws.34  The  highest 
duty  of  the  legislature  of  any  civilized  State,  is  to  provide  by 
every  constitutional  means  for  the  protection  of  the  rights  of 
person  of  the  citizen.  So  a  law  for  the  protection  and  preser 
vation  of  the  liberty  of  the  people  cannot  be  too  stringent  if  it 
is  within  the  Constitution.  The  States  never  surrendered  the 
right  to  protect  the  person  of  citizens.  Every  living  human 
being  has  a  right  to  a  legal  test  of  the  question  of  whether  he 
is  a  free  man  or  a  slave.  While  it  cannot  be  consented  that 
laws,  looking  to  the  protection  of  liberty,  should  be  repealed, 
yet  all  such  laws  should  conform  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States.  If  on  a  close  examination  and  scrutiny,  you 
are  satisfied  that  any  of  the  provisions  of  our  personal  liberty 
laws  are  in  conflict  with  the  Constitution,,  it  will  be  your  duty, 
as  your  pleasure,  to  so  change  them  that  they  shall  conform  to 
that  Constitution.35  But  no  fear,  no  favor,  no  hope  of  reward, 
no  demand,  no  threat,  should  ever  induce  or  drive  a  free  people 
to  break  down  the  walls  of  their  protection.  We  love  the  Con 
stitution  and  the  Union  of  these  States.  We  will  make  sacri 
fices  of  feeling  to  appease  and  conciliate  our  brethren,  but  we 
will  make  no  more  sacrifices  of  principle.  While  this  govern- 


34  The  Wisconsin  Personal  Liberty  Law  provided  for: 

a.  The  right  to  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus  and  a  jury  trial  for  alleged 
fugitives. 

b.  Free  legal  aid. 

c.  A  fine  of  $1000  and  imprisonment  for  one  to  five  years  for  falsely 
representing  a  free  person  to  be  a  slave. 

d.  Limitation  of  evidence  admitted  against  alleged  fugitives. 

e.  Legal  discrimination  against  judgments  secured  for  the  violation 
of  the  Federal  Fugitive  Slave  Law. 

See  Wis.  Rev.  Statutes,  1858,  chap.  159,  sees.  51-61. — ED. 

ss  No  action  was  taken  at  either  the  regular  or  the  special  session  of 
1861  toward  a  modification  of  the  Wisconsin  Personal  Liberty  Law. 
In  1862,  however,  all  of  its  important  provisions  were  repealed.  See 
Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  chap.  346.  Committee  reports  may  be  found  in 
Sen.  Jour.,  1862,  pp.  158,  216. — ED. 

[42] 


1861  ]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

m'ent  stands,  and  we  consent  to  live  under  it,  Liberty  may  pay 
to  Slavery  the  price  the  Fathers  agreed  should  be  paid,  but, 
with  our  consent,  it  shall  pay  no  more.  We  will  abide  by,  and 
have  never  refused  to  abide  by,  the  Compromises  of  our  com 
mon  Constitution.  But,  subject  to  that  Constitution,  the  civil 
and  religious  liberty,  for  which  the  flesh  of  the  martyrs  melted, 
and  their  bones  crackled,  in  the  flames;  for  which  the  Pilgrims 
became  Pilgrims,  and  for  which  our  fathers  fought,  shall  travel 
down  to  other  generations  as  they  came  careering  on  in  the 
midst  of  the  ages,  with  not  one  right  impaired  or  one  attribute 
lost. 

The  remedy  chosen  for  the  imaginary  evils  suffered  by  the 
South,  is  Secession,  and  a  total  disruption  of  the  States.36  And 
here,  in  brave  words,  the  right  of  secession  is  claimed.  One 
State  did  not  make  the  Union,  nor  did  the  people  of  one  State 
make  it.  It  was  the  joint  work  of  all  the  people,  speaking 
through  all  the  States,  and  only  the  power  that  made  it  can 
destroy  it.  A  disruption  of  a  part  is  a  disruption  of  the  whole. 

The  right  of  a  State  to  secede  from  the  Union  can  never  be 
admitted.  The  national  government  cannot  treat  with  a  State 
while  it  is  in  the  Union,  and  particularly  while  it  stands  in  an 
attitude  hostile  to  the  Union.  So  long  as  any  State  assumes  a 
position,  foreign,  independent,  and  hostile  to  the  government, 
there  can  be  no  conciliation.  The  government  of  the  United 
States  cannot  treat  with  one  of  its  own  States  as  a  foreign 
power.  The  constitutional  laws  of  the  United  States  extend 
over  every  State  alike.  They  are  to  be  enforced  in  every  State 
alike. 

A  state  cannot  come  into  the  Union  as  it  pleases,  and  go  out 
when  it  pleases.  Once  in,  it  must  stay  until  the  Union  is  des 
troyed.  There  is  no  coercion  of  a  State.  But  where  a  faction 
of  a  people  arrays  itself,  not  against  one  act,  but  against  all 


36  The  convention  of  South  Carolina  passed  its  ordinance  of  secession 
on  Dec.  20,  1860,  three  weeks  before  Governor  Randall's  message  was 
delivered  to  the  legislature. — ED. 

[43! 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

laws,  and  against  all  government,  there  is  but  one  answer  to  be 
made:  "The  Government  must  be  sustained,  and  the  laws 
shall  ~be  enforced!" 

Secession  is  revolution;  revolution  is  war;  war  against  the 
government  of  the  United  States  is  treason. 

It  is  time,  now,  to  know  whether  we  have  any  government,, 
and  if  so,  whether  it  has  any  strength.  Is  our  written  Consti 
tution  more  than  a  sheet  of  parchment?  The  nation  must  be 
lost  or  preserved  by  its  own  strength.  Its  strength  is  in  the 
patriotism  of  the  people.  It  is  time  now  that  politicians  be 
come  patriots,  that  men  show  their  love  of  country  by  every 
sacrifice  but  that  of  principle,  and  by  unwavering  devotion  to 
its  interests  and  integrity. 

The  hopes  of  civilization  and  Christianity  are  suspended  now 
upon  the  answer  to  this  question  of  dissolution.  The  capacity 
for,  as  well  as  the  right  of  self-government  is  to  pass  its  ordeal, 
and  speculation  to  become  certainty.  Other  systems  have  been 
tried  and  have  failed,  and  all  along  the  skeletons  of  nations 
have  been  strewn,  as  warnings  and  landmarks  upon  the  great 
highway  of  historic  government.  Wisconsin  is  true,  and  her 
people  steadfast.  She  will  not  destroy  the  Union,  nor  consent 
that  it  shall  be  done.  Devised  by  great,  and  wise,  and  good 
men,  in  days  of  sore  trial,  it  must  stand.  Like  some  bold 
mountain,  at  whose  base  the  great  seas  break  their  angry  floods, 
and  around  whose  summit  the  thunders  of  a  thousand  hurri 
canes  have  rattled,  strong,  unmoved,  immovable — so  m'ay  our 
Union  be,  while  treason  surges  at  its  base,  and  passions  rage 
around  it,  unmoved,  immovable — here  let  it  stand  forever. 

ALEX.  "W.  RANDALL. 


44 


i86i]  SOUTHERN   OVERTURES 


ATTEMPTS  TO  COMPROMISE 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  Jan.  26,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

I  transmit  herewith  a  copy  of  resolutions  received  from  the 
Governor  of  Virginia.37 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


37  The  resolutions  called  upon  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  appoint  del 
egates  to  a  great  peace  conference  at  Washington,  which  should  en 
deavor  to  arrive  at  some  plan  of  adjustment  whereby  war  might  be 
averted.  The  legislature  appears  to  have  been  willing  to  appoint  dele 
gates,  but  was  unable  to  agree  upon  the  instructions  to  them.  As  a 
result,  no  delegates  were  sent  from  this  State. 

The  conference  opened  at  Washington  on  Feb.  4,  1861,  with  represen 
tatives  ( present  from  twenty  states.  It  deliberated  for  somewhat  over 
three  weeks,  and  agreed  to  recommend  to  Congress  a  number  of 
amendments  to  the  Federal  Constitution,  practically  identical  with 
those  earlier  proposed  by  Senator  Crittenden  of  Kentucky.  Congress 
was  in  no  mood  for  compromise,  however,  and  without  much  consid 
eration  the  recommendations  were  defeated.  See  E.  McPherson,  His 
tory  of  the  Rebellion  (Washington,  1865),  pp  67-70. 

Messages  of  the  Governor  transmitting  to  the  legislature  resolutions 
from  Alabama,  Arkansas,  Georgia,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Massachusetts, 
Michigan,  Minnesota,  New  Jersey,  New  York,  Ohio,  Pennsylvania, 
Tennessee,  and  Texas  have  been  omitted.  These  resolutions  ask  for 
no  action  from  the  State.  They  are  merely  expressions  of  opinion 
upon  secession,  and  as  such  do  not  bear  with  directness  upon  Wiscon- 
.sin  history. — ED. 


[45] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  tl86l~ 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  February  18,  1861.. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

In  answer  to  resolution  No.  72,  Assembly,  I  have  to  report 
that  I  have  received  no  communications  in  reply  to  joint  resol 
utions  No.  6,  A.,38  which  were  forwarded  by  me  to  the  Governors 
of  other  States,  except  letters  simply  acknowledging  the  receipt 
of  the  joint  resolutions. 

On  Friday  last  [Feb.  15],  I  received  the  enclosed  resolutions 
which  had  been  sent  to  the  Governor  of  North  Carolina,  with 
endorsement  on  the  back  of  the  same  in  pencil,  which  explains 
itself,  made  by  some  person  whose  signature  is  not  affixed  to 
the  same.  I  transmit  it  as  it  was  received  by  me. 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


38  The  joint  resolution  should  be  no.  6  S;  it  became  Jt.  Res.  no.  1, 
Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1861.  It  tenders  the  President  the  support  of  Wiscon 
sin  in  enforcing  the  laws  and  upholding  the  Union.  See  Sen.  Jour., 
1861,  pp.  43,  50,  52,  and  Assem.  Jour.,  1861,  pp.  74,  75,  for  amendments, 
etc.,  showing  variations  of  opinion. 

The  "endorsement  on  the  back  of  the  same  in  pencil,"  mentioned 
in  the  Governor's  communication,  is  as  follows: 

"The  South  can  survive  the  threat  contained  in  the  annexed  resolu 
tions,  so  long  as  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin  uses  the  resources  of  that 
State  only,  but  should  they  call  in  aid  the  famed  La  Crosse  and  Mil 
waukee  Railroad  Company,  then  it  may  be  we  will  succumb. 

"The  strongest   castle,   tower   and    town; 
The  golden  bullet  breaks  it  down." 

You  know  the  little  circumstance  to  which  reference  is  made:  a  small 
matter,  merely, — the  circumstance  of  the'  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Rail 
road  Company  bribing  and  buying  up  your  "ILLUSTRIOUS"  predeces 
sor,  the  Governor  of  Wisconsin,  and  every  member  of  their  Legislature, 
save  five,  and  failing  in  one  of  the  five  because  the  contracting  parties 
could  not  agree  upon  the  price  to  be  paid  for  him. 

Let  Wisconsin  wipe  this  stain  from  her  escutcheon  before  she  pledges 
her  'sacred!!!  honor!!!'  to  others,  as  she  presumes  to  do  in  the  an 
nexed  resolutions." 


[46 


1861  ]  FUNDS   NEEDED 


EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  March  26,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

Herewith  I  transmit  an  authenticated  copy  of  a  joint  resolu 
tion  to  amend  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  adopted 
by  Congress,  and  approved  March  2,  1860,  by  James  Buchanan, 
President  of  the  United  States.39 

BUTLER  G.  NOBLE. 
[Lieutenant  Governor] 


AN  APPEAL  FOR  FUNDS 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  April  15,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

Extraordinary  exigencies  have  arisen  which  may  create  the 
necessity  of  further  legislation,  in  order  to  aid  efficiently  the 
Federal  Government  to  maintain  its  integrity.  The  act  ap 
proved  April  13,  1861  is  entirely  inefficient.  It  provides  for 
an  expenditure  and  outlay  of  money,  and  provides  no  where 
for  drawing  money  until  after  it  has  been  expended.  Before 
anything  can  be  done  under  that  act  it  requires  a  material 
amendment.  It  is  a  time  when  party  politics  sink  into  insig 
nificance,  and  when  the  patriotism  of  Legislators  and  of  the 
people  must  be  manifested  by  works.  An  amendment  to  the 
laws  at  this  time  will  save  the  expense  of  a  special  session  of 


39  The  proposed  amendment  prohibited  amendments  to  the  Federal 
Constitution,  which  would  give  Congress  the  power  to  abolish  or  inter 
fere  with  the  domestic  institutions  of  any  State,  "including  that  of  per 
sons  held  to  labor  or  service."  No  action  appears  to  have  been 
taken  upon  it,  except  reference  to  the  Assembly  committee  on  federal 
relations. — ED. 


47 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

the  Legislature  which  I  shall  be  compelled  to  call  unless  the 
necessary  legislation  is  passed  before  an  adjournment.40 

ALEX.  "W.  RANDALL. 


FOUR  PROCLAMATIONS 

On  April  16,  1861,  the  Governor  issued  the  following  call  for 
troops : 

To  the  Loyal  Citizens  of  Wisconsin: 

For  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  this  Federal  Government, 
organized  treason  has  manifested  itself  within  several  States 
of  the  Union,  and  armed  rebels  are  making  war  against  it. 
The  Proclamation  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  tells 
of  unlawful  combinations  too  powerful  to  be  suppressed  in  the 
ordinary  manner,  and  calls  for  military  forces  to  suppress  such 
combinations,  and  to  sustain  him  in  executing  the  laws.41  The 
treasures  of  the  country  iriust  no  longer  be  plundered ;  the  pub 
lic  property  must  be  protected  from  aggressive  violence;  that 
already  seized,  must  be  retaken,  and  the  laws  must  be  executed 
in  every  State  of  the  Union  alike. 

A  demand  made  upon  "Wisconsin  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States  for  aid  to  sustain  the  Federal  Arm,  must  meet 


40  Fort  Sumter  was  fired  upon  on  Friday,  April  12,  and  evacuated 
on  Sunday,  April  14.     The  President's  first  call  for  troops  was  made 
on  April  15.     The  act  of  April  13  is  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1861,  chap.  239. 
It  received  the  necessary  amendments  in  Ibid.,  chap.  307.     These  acts 
authorized  the  Governor  to  accept  the  services  of  volunteers  and  to 
equip  them,  if  the  President  should  call  upon  the  State  for  aid.     They 
made  an  appropriation  of  $200,000,  to  be  raised  by  &  bond  issue  for 
that  amount.    A  minority  report  of  the  select  committee  on  bill  37  S, 
which  became  chap.  239,  is  printed  in  Sen.  Jour.,  1861,  pp.  757,  758. 
For  the  negotiation  of  the  bond  issue  see  Governor's  message  of  Jan.  14, 
1862,  post,  pp.  81-83. — ED. 

41  Proclamation  of  April  15,  in  J.  D.  Richardson,  Messages  and  Pa 
pers  of  the  Presidents  (Washington,  1896),  vi,  pp.  13,  14.— ED. 

[48] 


CALL  FOR  VOLUNTEERS 

with  a  prompt  response.  One  Regiment  of  the  Militia  of  this 
State,  will  be  required  for  immediate  service,  and  further 
service  will  be  required  as  the  exigencies  of  tlie  Government 
may  demand.  It  is  a  time  when  against  the  civil  and  religious 
liberties  of  the  people,  and  against  the  integrity  of  the  Gov 
ernment  of  the  United  States,  parties  and  politicians  and  plat 
forms  must  be  as  dust  in  the  balance.  All  good  citizens,  every 
where,  must  join  in  making  common  cause  against  a  common 
enemy.42 

Opportunities  will  be  immediately  offered  to  all  existing  mil 
itary  companies,  under  the  direction  of  the  proper  authorities 
of  the  State,  for  enlistment  to  fill  the  dem'and  of  the  Federal 
Government,  and  I  hereby  invite  the  patriotic  citizens  of  the 
State  to  enroll  themselves  into  companies  of  seventy-eight  men 
each,  and  to  advise  the  Executive  of  their  readiness  to  be 
mustered  into  service  immediately.  Detailed  instructions  will 
be  furnished  on  the  acceptance  of  companies,  and  the  com 
missioned  officers  of  each  regiment  will  nominate  their  own 
field  officers. 

In  times  of  public  danger  bad  men  grow  bold  and  reckless. 
The  property  of  the  citizen  becomes  unsafe,  and  both  public 
and  private  rights  liable  to  be  jeopardized.  I  enjoin  upon  all 
administrative  and  peace  officers  within  the  State  renewed 
vigilance  in  the  maintenance  and  execution  of  the  laws,  and  in 
guarding  against  excesses  leading 'to  disorder  among  the  people. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of 
Wisconsin,  this  16th  day  of  April,  A.  D.  1861. 

By  the  Governor, 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL,. 
L.  P.  HARVEY,  Secretary  of  State. 


42  The  War  Department  telegraphed  the  Governor  on  April  15  that 
a  call  for  one  regiment  would  be  mailed  that  evening.  Wisconsin's 
Quota  under  this  call  was  one  regiment  of  thirty-seven  officers  and 
743  men,  a  total  of  780;  the  number  furnished  was  817 .—Rebellion 
Records  (Washington,  1899),  serial  no.  122,  p.  69.  See  also  the  Gover 
nor's  message  of  April  22,  1863,  succeeding. — ED. 

4  [49] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL 

On  April  22,  1861,  the  Governor  thanked  the  people  as  fol 
lows,  for  their  prompt  response  to  his  call: 

To  the  Patriotic  People  of  Wisconsin: 

In  six  days  from  the  issue  of  my  proclamation  of  the  16th 
inst,  the  First  Regiment  called  for  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  for  the  defense  of  the  Union  is  enrolled  already 
for  service.  Five  companies  from  Milwaukee,  one  from  Ken- 
osha,  two  from  Madison,  one  from  Horicon,  and  one  from  Be- 
loit  are  assigned  to  the  First  Regiment,  while  nineteen  more 
companies  have  tendered  their  services.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
that  Wisconsin  is  not  permitted  to  increase  largely  her  quota, 
but  her  loyal  citizens  must  exercise  patience  till  called  for.  I 
urge  the  formation  of  companies  of  able-bodied  men  to  the 
number  of  seventy-seven  each,  in  every  locality  where  it  can 
be  done  without  expense  for  subsistence;  men,  who  will  pledge 
themselves  to  be  minute  men,  standing  ready  at  short  notice 
to  answer  to  other  calls  of  the  Government.  When  such  com 
panies  are  full,  if  infantry  or  riflemen,  let  them  elect  a  Captain, 
Lieutenant  and  Ensign,  and  report  to  the  Adjutant  General 
for  commissions  and  for  orders.  It  is  not  necessary  that  men 
be  taken  from  their  peaceful  avocations  to  be  drilled  for  active 
service,  though  where  companies  are  located  in  large  towns, 
it  is  desirable  that  they  be  drilled  as  far  as  possible  in  the  use 
of  arms.  Whenever  they  are  called  into  service,  all  their  ex 
penses  will  be  paid.  Where  companies  have  been  enrolled  and 
have  reported,  offering  their  services,  they  will  be  first  called 
upon  whenever  a  new  demand  is  made  upon  the  State  by  the 
President,  which  is  likely  to  be  very  soon.  I  thank  the  good 
people  of  the  State  for  their  ready  response  to  my  proclamation, 
and  for  their  patriotic  devotion  to  the  country. 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 
MADISON,  April  22d,  A.  D.  1861. 


[50] 


l861]  AN   APPEAL   TO  WOMEN     _      ; 

At  the  same  time,  the  Governor  also  made  the  following  re 
quests  to  the  women  of  the  Comm'onwealth  for  their  co-operation 
in  sanitary  aid  to  the  army : 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  April  22,  1861. 
To  the  Patriotic  Women  of  Wisconsin: 

I  know  that  you  will  cheerfully  respond  to  my  request  that 
you  contribute  your  aid  in  the  present  crisis,  in  the  way  of  pre 
paring  lint  and  bandages  for  the  use  of  the  army.  A  much 
larger  amount  of  such  necessaries  for  an  army,  may  be  pre 
pared,  than  may  be  required  by  the  sons  of  Wisconsin,  but  in 
the  long  war  likely  to  follow,  there  may  be  thousands  who  will 
require  such  kindness.  Whatever  is  prepared  can  be  forwarded 
to,  o,r  placed  directly  in  the  hands  of  James  Holton,  Esq.,  Milwau 
kee,  who  will  attend  to  its  proper  disposition. 

Your  husbands  and  brothers  and  sons  are  called  upon  to 
aid  in  subduing  rebellion,  in  punishing  treason,  in  the  mainte 
nance  of  the  Government  and  in  the  execution  of  the  laws.  It 
is  your  country  and  your  Government  as  well  as  theirs  that  is 
now  in  danger,  and  you  can  give  strength  and  courage  and 
warm  sympathies  and  cheering  words  to  those  who  go  to  da 
battle  for  all  that  is  dear  to  us  here.  Bitter  as  the  parting  may 
be  to  many,  I  am  assured  that  you  will  bid  them  go  bravely  for 
ward  for  God  and  Liberty,  to  "return  with  their  shields,  or  on 
them." 

I  commend  the  soldiers  to  your  kindness  and  encouragement 
and  prayers  with  full  confidence  that  when  occasion  calls,  many, 
very  many  Florence  Nightingales  will  be  found  in  our  goodly 
land. 

Most  Respectfully, 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


;  GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [1861- 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  April  27th,  1861. 
To  the  Ladies  of  Wisconsin: 

The  great  demand  throughout  the  country  for  blankets,  will 
render  it  extremely  difficult  to  furnish  enough,  immediately,  for 
the  health  and  comfort  of  the  soldiers  who  are  ordered  into 
service.  Any  contributions  of  blankets  and  quilts,  made  for  the 
use  and  benefit  of  the  soldiers,  until  purchases  can  be  made,  will 
be  most  thankfully  received.  They  can  be  forwarded  to  James 
Holton,  Esq.,  of  Milwaukee,  or  H.  E.  Paine,  Esq.,  at  Madison, 
Wis. 

ALEX  "W.  RANDALL. 


REGIMENTAL  ASSIGNMENTS 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  April  23,  1861. 

The  following  Companies  are  assigned  to  the  Second  Regiment 
of  Wisconsin  active  Militia  to  be  called  into  the  service  of  the 
United  States  on  another  requisition  made  by  the  President: 

Fond  du  Lac  Badgers. 

Beloit  Volunteer  Rifles. 

Oshkosh  Company,  Captain  Bouck. 

Belle  City  Rifles,  Racine. 

Janesville  Volunteers,  Captain  Ely. 

La  Crosse  Light  Guard. 

Miners'   Guards,   Mineral   Point. 

Company  No.  1,  Grant  Co.,  Capt.  McKee\ 

Randall  Guards,  Lieut.  Randolph,  Madison. 

Portage  Light  Guards. 

These  companies  will  prepare  for  an  immediate  call  to  a 
rendezvous  to  be  designated  by  me. 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 

[52] 


PREPARATIONS   FOR  WAR 


1861.    Special  Legislative  Session,  May  15-27 

The  Governor  convened  the  Legislature  in  Special  Session  for 
May  15,  in  the  following : 

PROCLAMATION 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  May  9th,  1861. 

The  extraordinary  condition  of  the  country,  growing  out  of 
the  rebellion  against  the  Government  of  the  United  States, 
makes  it  necessary  that  the  Legislature  of  this  State  be  con 
vened  in  special  session  to  provide  more  completely  for  making 
the  power  of  the  State  useful  to  the  Government,  and  to  other 
loyal  States. 

I,  therefore,  in  pursuance  of  the  authority  vested  in  me  by 
the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  do  hereby  convene 
the  Legislature  of  this  State,  for  a  special  session  thereof  to 
be  held  at  Madison  on  Wednesday  the  15th  day  of  May,  A.  D. 
1861,  at  twelve  o'clock  M. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be  affixed  this 
9th  clay  of  May,  A.  D.  1861. 

By  the  Governor, 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 
L.  P.  HARVEY,  Secretary  of  State. 


On  the  day  of  assembling,  the  two  Houses  met  in  Joint  Con 
vention,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

SPECIAL  MESSAGE 
as  follows: 

Senators  and  Representatives: 

At  the  close  of  the  last  annual  session  of  the  Legislature,  to 
meet  a  sudden  emergency,  an  act  was  passed  authorizing  me  to 

[53] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

respond  to  the  call  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  for 
"aid  in  maintaining  the  Union  and  the  supremacy  of  the  laws, 
or  to  suppress  rebellion  or  insurrection,  or  to  repel  invasion 
within  the  United  States, "  and  I  was  authorized,  and  it  was 
made  my  duty,  to  take  such  measures  as  in  my  judgment  should 
provide  in  the  speediest  and  most  efficient  manner,  for  respond 
ing  to  such  call ;  and  to  this  end  I  was  authorized  to  accept  the 
services  of  volunteers  for  active  service,  to  be  enrolled  in  com 
panies  of  not  less  than  seventy-five  men  each,  rank  and  file,  and 
in  regim'ents  of  ten  companies  each.  I  was  also  authorized  to 
provide  for  uniforming  and  equipping  such  companies  as  were 
not  provided  with  uniforms  and  equipments.43 

The  first  call  of  the  President  for  immediate  active  service, 
was  for  one  regiment  of  men. 

My  proclamation,  issued  immediately  after  the  passage  of  the 
act  of  the  Legislature,  was  answered  within  less  than  ten  days, 
by  companies  enough,  each  containing  the  requisite  number  of 
men,  to  make  up  at  least  five  regiments,  instead  of  one.  I  then 
issued  another  proclamation,44  announcing  the  offers  that  had 
been  made,  and  advising  that  thereafter  companies  might  be 
enrolled  to  stand  as  minute  men,  ready  to  answer  further  calls, 
as  they  might  be  made,  but  without  expense  to  the  State,  except 
as  they  wera  mustered  into  service.  In  less  than  one  month 
from  the  date  of  my  first  proclamation,  at  least  five  thousand 
men,  either  as  individuals  or  in  enrolled  companies,  have  offered 
their  services  for  the  war,  and  all  appear  anxious  for  active 
service  in  the  field. 

In  providing  for  the  First  Regiment,  embarrassments  have 
resulted  from  the  fact  that  there  has  never  been  an  efficient 
military  organization  in  this  State — no  system  or  discipline. 
The  men  who  had!  seen  active  field  service  were  very  few,  or 
were  almost  entirely  unknown;  and  the  order  and  manner  of 


«  See  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1861,  chaps.  239,  307. — ED. 
**  The  proclamations  referred  to  were  those  of  April  16  and  22,  1861, 
respectively. — ED. 

[54] 


1861  ]  PREPARATIONS  FOR  WAR 

equipping  and  uniforming  and  arming  soldiers  and  officers  for 
rugged  war  were  mysteries,  the  solution  of  which  could  only  be 
found  by  actual  experiment. 

So  the  expenses  incurred  in  preparing  the  First  Regiment 
have  been  greater  to  some  extent  than  they  otherwise  would 
have  been,  or  than  they  hereafter  will  be. 

The  spirit  envoked  by  the  rebellion  against  the  government 
of  the  United  States  is  such  as  has  never  before  been  mani 
fested  since  its  organization.  The  people  understand  that  it  is 
their  government  that  is  assailed,  and  everywhere  throughout 
the  North  they  are  rising  up  to  rebuke  the  treason  so  rife  in 
some  portions  of  the  land. 

The  deepening  and  widening  dangers  that  threaten  our  in 
stitutions,  and  the  pressure  of  public  opinion  from  all  parts  of 
the  State,  wi-th  the  growing  certainty  that  further  calls  would 
be  made  upon  this  State,  forced  me  to  form  another  camp,  and 
to  bring  together  another  regiment  of  men,  and  to  authorize 
a  number  of  isolated  companies  which  had  volunteered,  to  re 
main  together,  and  to  learn  so  far  as  was  possible  without 
suitable  arms,  the  discipline  and  drilling  necessary  for  men 
going  into  actual  war.  It  is  a  matter  of  public  necessity  and 
safety  not  only  for  the  States  but  for  the  Government  that  an 
outlet  be  found  for  the  spirit  that  is  abroad  among  the  liberty- 
loving  people  of  the  land.  That  spirit  is  driving  them  to  action, 
and  if  the  Government  does  not  or  will  not  permit  them  to  act 
for  it,  tliey  will  act  for  themselves.  It  is  better  that  the  State 
or  Federal  Government  should  direct  this  current  than  to  suffer 
it  to  run  wildly.  There  is  a  moral  element  and  a  reasoning 
element  in  this  uprising  that  cannot  be  controlled  in  the  ordi 
nary  manner.  There  is  a  conviction  of  great  wrongs  to  be  re 
dressed,  and  that  the  Government,  which  is  in  danger,  is  to  be 
preserved  by  the  willing  hearts  and  strong  hands  of  those  to 
whom  it  belongs.  This  current  of  popular  feeling  must  be 
directed  and  controlled,  or  there  will  come  of  it  something  more 
than  a  war  to  put  down  rebellion ;  it  will  become  a  war  between 
border  States,  and  those  whose  interests  are  connected  with  the 

[55] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL 

border  States,  and  in  such,  a  war,  for  the  time  being,  the  Gov 
ernment  might  be  lost  sight  of.  If  it  was  absolutely  certain  that 
the  seventy-three  thousand  troops  first  called,  would  wipe  out 
the  rebellion  in  three  weeks  from  to-day,  it  would  still  be  the 
policy  of  the  Government  and  for  its  best  interests,  in  view  of 
what  ought  to  be  the  future  of  this  great  Nation,  to  call  into 
the  field,  as  fast  as  they  could  be  armed,  at  least  three  hundred 
thousand  men. 

The  majesty  and  power  of  this  government,  if  it  has  either, 
should  be  manifested  now,  so  that  the  world  may  see  it,  and  so 
that  for  all  future  time  in  its  history  the  idea  of  secession  and 
rebellion,  shall  be  an  idea  of  the  past.  When  the  people  see 
that  their  uprising  has  put  down  the  rebellion,  they  will  be  sat 
isfied,  and  not  before. 

The  difficulties  of  the  present  crisis  are  growing  greater  and 
more  extreme  every  day.  Broad  and  more  extended  fields  are 
constantly  opening  by  the  threatening  attitude  of  new  States, 
forced  by  treachery,  or  by  armed  mobs,  dignified  by  the  names 
of  rebels,  into  secession.  One  State  after  another,  willing  or 
unwilling,  has  been  or  is  now  being  placed  in  an  attitude  of 
hostility  to  Federal  authority,  until  with  one  more  seceding 
State,  there  will  be  fifteen  hundred  miles  of  contiguous  terri 
tory  standing  in  most  wicked  warlike  antagonism. 

It  is  a  most  startling  consideration  that  the  people  of  the 
United  States  should  be  at  war  with  each  other,  and  that  the 
Government  of  the  United  States  should  be  forced  to  the  terrible 
necessity  of  maintaining  its  authority,  against  internal 
dissensions,  by  force  of  arms.  The  settled  design  to  overthrow 
our  system,  so  wisely  designed,  complicated  yet  simple,  the 
completest  for  working  out  the  greatest  good  of  all  men  under 
it,  is  so  strange,  unaccountable,  causeless,  inexcusable,  that  war 
had  actually  begun,  and  an  attack  upon  public  property  had 
actually  been  made,  before  the  law-abiding  people  of  the 
country  could  be  brought  to  realize  that  danger  existed.  "We 
had  noticed  for  a  long  time  apparent  preparations  for  mischief, 
and  had  heard  threats  of  a  hostile  disposition  in  one  portion  of 

[56] 


1861]  PREPARATIONS   FOR  WAR 

the  country  against  another  portion,  but  eighty  years  of  growth 
and  prosperity  had  so  fastened  upon  the  minds  of  the  people 
the  idea  of  permanency  and  strength,  that  it  was  impossible  to 
conceive  of  a  serious,  deliberate  intent  to  destroy  the  Union. 

The  feeble  colonies  of  revolutionary  days  had  grown  into 
great  States,  many  of  which  in  population  equaled,  and  in 
wealth  exceeded  the  population  and  wealth  of  the  whole  thir 
teen  at  the  close  of  our  first  great  struggle.  An  increase  in  pop 
ulation  from  about  three  to  thirty-three  millions  of  men, 
women,  and  children,  and  an  increase  in  wealth  of  thousands  upon 
thousands  of  millions  of  dollars,  should  be  our  sufficient  war 
rant,  for  assuming  that  the  government  under  which  we  have 
lived,  and  under  which  our  fathers  lived,  and  under  which  the 
posterity  of  this  great  people  ought  to  live  in  peace,  was,  and 
is  of  some  value,  and  that  it  ought  not  for  slight  causes  to  be 
disturbed. 

The  election  of  a  man  to  the  Presidency  of  the  United  States, 
according  to  the  usual  mode,  strictly  in  conformity  with  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States,  without  force  or  violence,  is 
the  pretext  upon  which  what  is  called  secession  is  now  attempted. 
Just  as  all  Presidents  but  one45  have  been  elected  to  the  highest 
executive  office  on  this  Continent,  so  Abraham  Lincoln  was 
elected  President  of  the  United  States.  There  is  no  pretence 
anywhere  that  the  election  was  not  legal  and  constitutional.  His 
installation  however,  was  the  occasion  of  resistance  to  the  con 
stituted  authorities,  and  State  after  State  has  been  madly  pre 
cipitated  into  a  revolution.  To  make  more  severe  the  trials  of  the 
country  in  this  exigency,  some  high  in  position  as  cabinet  min 
isters,  and  as  administrative  officers,  had  been  covertly  and 
treacherously  using  the  whole  power  intrusted  to  them,  to  de 
stroy  the  force  and  efficiency  of  the  machinery  of  the  govern 
ment.  On  the  4th  of  March  last,  the  new  presidential  incumbent 
found  the  treasury  of  the  nation  empty,  and  its  credit  ex- 


«  Probably  referring  to  the  election  of  John  Quincy  Adams  by  the 
House  of  Representatives. — ED. 

[57] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

hausted;  its  army  scattered  in  small  bands  to  extreme  points, 
so  that  it  could  not  be  concentrated  within  any  reasonable  time ; 
its  ships  dismantled  and  disabled,  or  in  foreign  and  far  distant 
ports,  and  its  arms  doubly  secured  by  being  deposited  in  the 
willing  hands  of  traitors,  and  every  diurnal  revolution  brought 
fresh  anxieties,  as  the  treachery  and  faithlessness  of  a  multitude 
of  civil,  military  and  naval  officers  became  manifest.  The  very 
magnitude  of  the  crimes  that  have  been  committed  against  the 
Government,  appalled  the  stoutest,  and  the  stealing  of  moneys 
from  the  public  treasury,  the  plunder  of  arms  from  the  arsenals, 
and  other  public  crimes,  were  so  majestic  and  imposing  in  their 
extent,  that  by  their  side,  the  dignity  and  luster  of  the  boldest 
conspiracies  and  robberies  of  which  history  makes  record  are 
dim  and  shadowy  in  their  littleness  and  meanness. 

It  is  easy  to  conceive,  at  such  a  time  and,  under  such  embar 
rassments  as  those,  how  much  labor  must  have  been  performed 
to  bring  back  the  government  even  to  the  point  it  has  now 
reached,  and  it  is  also  clearly  to  be  perceived  how  much  the 
States  themselves  must  be  relied  upon  to  furnish  efficient  aid  to 
restore  the  country  to  health  and  strength  and  prosperity.  The 
Federal  Government  being  theoretically  one  of  law  and  not  of 
force,  cannot  act  with  that  celerity  incident  to  a  despotic  one, 
whose  strength  is  in  great  armies,  ready  at  the  trumpet's  call  to, 
engage  in  conflict.  It  must  work  slowly,  but  it  will  move  with 
power.  We  must  approve  of  whatever  it  has  done  and  be  pre 
pared  for  further  exhibitions  of  energy,  such  as  the  public  ex 
igencies  may  demand.  But  the  States  must  be  prepared  to  aid 
the  Government  by  supplies  of  men,  and  if  necessary  by  the  loan 
of  means.  Each  State  can  muster  its  quota  of  soldiers  quicker 
than  the  Government  can  muster  the  quota  of  each  State,  and  so 
each  State  can  arm  and  uniform  and  equip  its  quota  quicker 
than  the  Government  can  arm,  equip  and  uniform  them  all. 

There  is  necessity  of  giving  immediate  attention  to  the  country 
directly  contiguous  to  the  line  between  the  law-abiding  and  se 
ceding  States,  and  those  that  still  may  be  forced  into  secession. 
The  Union  men  of  the  seceding  States,  and  particularly  of  the 

[58] 


i86i]  PREPARATIONS   FOR  WAR 

border  States  must  in  some  way  be  sustained.  The  fierceness  of 
this  wicked  rebellion  is  to  exhibit  itself  through  the  last  named 
sections  of  country  more  than  anywhere  else,  yet  on  the  law 
and  government  side  of  the  line  of  division  there  is  less  prepara 
tion  for  defence  than  almost  anywhere  else.  From  Pittsburg 
and  Cincinnati  to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio,  on  the  Northern  side 
of  the  river,  the  country  is  almost  entirely  defenceless  against 
an  armed  enemy. 

At  the  present  time  Cincinnati  and  numerous  smaller  towns 
'On  the  river  could  be  utterly  destroyed  and  the  contiguous 
country  laid  waste  without  the  means  of  resistance.  It  is 
matter  of  absolute  necessity  not  only  for  the  North  border  states 
but  for  Northwestern  states  to  be  able  to  control  the  business 
and  commerce  of  the  Ohio  river,  and  the  upper  Mississippi,  in 
order  to  reach  a  vital  part  of  this  rebellion.  They  must  be  able 
to  cut  off  from  the  seceding  States,  all  supplies  of  breadstuffs, 
and  also  to  stop  the  transit  and  transportation  of  arms  or  muni 
tions  of  war.  An  enemy  to  our  common  country  cannot  be  per 
mitted  to  hold  an  important  point  like  Cairo.  The  Mississippi 
and  Ohio  rivers  must  be  kept  at  all  times  open  to  the  legitimate 
and  honest  commerce  and  business  of  the  Northwest.  St.  Louis 
must  be  strengthened  in  the  hands  of  the  Union  men  of  Missouri, 
not  only  because  it  is  just  that  it  should  be  so,  but  because  the 
interests  of  the  free  territories  west  and  north-west  of  that  city, 
demand  it.  The  vast  lumber  and  mineral  interests  of  Wiscon 
sin,  independent  of  her  commanding  produce  and  stock  trade, 
bind  her  fast  to  the  North  border  and  Northwestern  states,  and 
demand,  like  them,  the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi,  and 
all  its  tributaries,  from  their  highest  navigable  waters  to  their 
mouths. 

The  necessities  I  have  named  being  granted,  we  must  look  to 
the  means  to  do  what  ought  to  be  done  in  the  least  possible  time. 
It  needs  men,  arms,  and  munitions  of  war.  One  hundred  and 
sixty  thousand  men,  if  it  were  necessary,  could  be  enrolled  in  a 
few  weeks  for  such  purposes,  and  among  the  swarming  millions 
of  border  and  Northwestern  States,  there  is  but  one  pulse  beat- 

[59] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

ing  to-day,  and  but  one  purpose  to  hold  up  the  hands — not  of 
Abraham  Lincoln — but  of  the  President  of  the  United  States;, 
maintain  the  integrity  of  the  Government,  and  to  aid  in  exe 
cuting  the  laws  in  every  State  alike.  The  Northwest  needs  a 
better  military  organization,  and  a  military  head,  under  Federal 
control,  to  which  these  States  can  look  for  orders,  and  to  which 
they  can  communicate  their  necessities  without  tedious  and  mis 
chievous  delays. 

I  know  full  well  that  the  Federal  Government  will  act  for  the 
"West  and  for  the  border  States,  just  as  it  seems  to  see  a 
necessity.  We  can  see  a  necessity  for  action  now,  not  only  for 
the  safety  of  the  General  Government,  but  for  the  safety  of  the 
Union  men  of  the  south  border  States,  and  of  the  northern 
border  States,  and  also  for  our  own  interests  in  the  way  of  our 
large  trade  and  commerce  upon  the  Mississippi  and  its  tribu 
taries.  The  common  interests  of  all  the  Northwest,  must  have 
a  common  protection,  and  in  crushing  out  this  wicked  rebellion, 
the  Northwestern  States  must  make  common  cause  with  the 
Federal  Government. 

The  border  and  Northwestern  States  cannot  wait  to  see  their 
towns  and  cities,  upon  navigable  streams,  sacked  and  burned, 
and  the  contiguous  country  wasted,  and  then  content  them 
selves  simply  with  retaliation.  They  must  be  supplied  with  the 
means  of  preventing  disasters  of  the  kind. 

These  States  cannot  be  satisfied  with  small  call  after  small  call 
of  raw  troops,  to  be  put  into  the  field  as  soon  as  mustered,  with 
out  discipline  or  drilling,  or  a  knowledge  of  the  use  of  arms. 
They  would  not  be  soldiers,  but  simply  marks  for  an  enemy  to 
shoot  at.  Men  must  understand  the  use  of  arms  to  be  efficient 
soldiers  either  in  defending  our  States  or  in  aid  of  the  govern 
ment.  They  cannot  well  learn  the  use  of  them  until  they  get 
them. 

There  should  be  an  authority  to  put  more  men  into  the  field, 
and  there  must  be  arms  furnished  for  the  men.  Soldiers 
ought  to  go  into  camp  and  learn  the  use  of  weapons  and  the 
duties  of  soldiers.  If  the  government  cannot  at  once  furnish 

[60] 


1861  ]  PREPARATIONS   FOR  WAR 

arms,  the  States  must  do  it,  and  wait  upon  the  Government. 
The  States  should  be  preparing  their  aid  both  in  furnishing  men 
and  providing  arms,  so  that  when  mustered  into  service  the  army 
may  be  efficient. 

Illinois  has  but  a  trifle  over  double  the  population  of  Wiscon 
sin,46  and  the  call  for  six  regiments  from  Illinois,  and  only  one 
from  Wisconsin,  is  so  disproportionate,  as  to  excite  extreme  dis 
satisfaction.  Companies  enough  for  five  regiments,  almost,  are 
enrolled  and  drilling  without  arms,  and  two  regiments,  partially 
armed  with  indifferent  weapons,  are  in  camp.  We  need,  for  the 
protection,  and  use,  and  benefit  of  our  citizen  soldiery,  arms 
now,  war  or  no  war.  It  is  as  yet  impossible  to  ascertain  to 
what  extent  the  States,  particularly  this  State,  will  be  called 
upon  to  furnish  forces,  or  to  what  extent  the  forces  called  for 
must  be  armed,  equipped,  and  uniformed  for  service.  The 
people  of  the  State,  and  of  all  the  States,  are  anxious  to  know 
what  and  how  much  is  expected  of  them,  and  are  ready  to  re 
spond.  While  the  details  of  the  policy  of  the  administration 
should  not  be  made  public,  information  of  the  general  purposes 
of  the  Government  should  be  lodged  somewhere  in  each  loyal 
State,  so  that  there  can  be  an  authoritative  assurance  of  what 
is  intended  and  expected.  In  the  absence  of  such  information, 
the  judgment  of  this  Legislature  must  determine  for  Wisconsin, 
what  aid  she  can  afford  to  extend  to  the  Federal  Government  in 
the  way  of  regiments  of  men,  and  in  the  way  of  arming,  equip 
ping  and  uniforming  its  own  citizens,  for  military  purposes,  and 
how  far  it  will  make  its  military  forces  useful  and  efficient  by 
putting  them  in  the  shape  of  regiments  into  camp  to  be  drilled, 
inured  to  the  hardships  of  the  soldier's  life,  and  made  skillful 
in  the  use  of  arms,  before  being  called  upon  to  face  experienced 
armies  in  battle. 

In  my  judgment,  at  least  six  regiments  of  soldiers  ought  to  be 
put  into  camp  to  learn  soldiers'  duties,  in  addition  to  the  one 


46  The  population  of  Wisconsin  in  1860  numbered  775,881;   that  of 
Illinois,  1,711,951.— Ed. 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [iS6i- 

first  called  for.  They  should  be  armed  and  uniformed  and' 
equipped  by  the  State  now,  and  when  mustered  into  the  service 
of  the  United  States  their  arms  and  uniforms  and  equipments 
accounted  for  to  the  State  by  the  National  Government.47  The 
men  sent  to  war  should  be  soldiers  when  they  go,  or  there  will 
be  few  of  them  living  soldiers  when  it  is  time  for  them  to  return. 

An  appropriation  of  at  least  one  million  of  dollars  will,  in  my 
judgment,  be  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  putting  into  the  field 
a  reserved  force,  and  for  providing  to  meet  the  demands  of  the 
Government  as  they  are  made.48  An  authority  ought  to  be 
given  to  purchase  for  the  use  of  the  State,  in  addition  to  such 
arms  as  are  required  for  the  use  of  regiments  going  into  the 
field,  six  rifled  cannon. 

And  now,  to  the  judgment  of  the  Legislature  I  commit  the 
subjects  suggested,  invoking  a  calm,  firm,  deliberate,  unimpas- 
sioned,  yet  bold  consideration  and  action. 

In  revolutionary  days  the  men  who  fought  our  battles,  the 
men  who  deliberated  and  who  made  or  laid  the  foundation  for 
making  our  institutions,  put  at  hazard  life  and  fortune  and 
honor,  counting  all  these  of  little  value  by  the  side  of  the  great 
end  and  object  to  be  attained — Civil  and  Religious  Liberty. 
Money  is  a  small  price  to  pay  for  these,  and  he  who  will  not 
to-day  aid  in  maintaining  this  Governm'ent  by  every  possible 
means,  is  no  patriot,  and  has  no  right,  either  for  his  person  or 
property,  to  claim  the  protection  of  the  laws. 

The  value  of  the  property  of  Wisconsin  is  two  hundred  mil 
lions  of  dollars  at  least.  What  man  having  two  hundred  dollars- 
will  refuse  to  spend  two  dollars  out  of  that  sum,  that  he  may 
quietly,  in  his  own  right,  enjoy  the  other  one  hundred  and 
ninety-eight  ? 


47  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  extra  session,  1861,  chaps.  4,  11,  provided  for  rais 
ing  and  organizing  six  regiments  of  infantry.  Ibid,  chaps.  6,  12,  pro 
vided  the  necessary  arms  and  equipment. — ED. 

^Ibid,  chap.  13,  authorized  a  loan  of  $1,000,000  "to  repel  invasion, 
suppress  insurrection,  and  defend  the  State  in  time  of  war." — ED. 

[62] 


PREPARATIONS   FOR  WAR 

The  time  for  deliberation  must  give  way  to  the  time  for  action. 
The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  must  be  sustained  in  all 
its  first  intent  and  wholeness.  The  right  of  the  people  of  every 
state  to  go  into  every  other  state  and  engage  in  any  lawful  pur 
suit,  without  unlawful  interference  or  molestation;  the  freedom 
of  speech  and  of  the  press;  the  right  of  trial  by  jury;  security 
from  unjustifiable  seizure  of  person  or  papers,  and  all  constitu 
tional  privileges  and  immunities,  must  receive  new  guarantees  of 
safety  from  tar  and  feathers,  and  halters  and  mobs.  There  can 
be  no  more  compromises,  no  settlements,  no  treating  with  rebels, 
no  concessions;  nothing  now  but  absolute  submission  to  the 
power  and  jurisdiction  and  authority  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States. 

The  people  will  never  consent  to  any  cessation  of  the  war, 
forced  so  wickedly  upon  us,  until  the  traitors  are  hung  or  driven 
into  ignominious  exile.  This  war  began  where  Charleston  is; 
it  should  end  where  Charleston  was.  The  Supreme  Ruler  can 
but  smile  upon  the  efforts  of  the  law  loving,  government  loving, 
liberty  loving  people  of  this  land,  in  resisting  the  disruption  of 
this  Union.  These  gathering  armies  are  the  instruments  of  His 
vengeance,  to  execute  his  just  judgments;  they  are  His  flails 
wherewith  on  God's  great  Southern  threshing  floor,  He  will 
pound  rebellion  for  its  sins. 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 

Madison,  May  15,  1861. 


LEAVE  OF  ABSENCE  REQUESTED 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  May  17,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

To  meet  a  contingency  that  may  arise  under  the  provisions  of 
the  last  part  of  section  7,  of  article  5  of  the  Constitution  of 
this  State,  I  have  to  ask  the  adoption  of  the  following  joint  reso- 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

lutlon,  or  some  other  expression  of  the  Legislature  equivalent 
thereto : 

Resolved,  That  the  consent  of  this  Legislature  is  hereby  given 
to  the  Governor  of  this  State,  to  be  out  of  this  State  in  time  of 
the  present  war,  as  in  his  discretion  he  may  deem  advisable,  in 
connection  with  the  military  forces  from  this  State.49 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


MILITARY  DISBURSEMENTS 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  May  17,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

I  have  received  resolution  No.  4  A.,  asking  me  to  furnish  the 
House  with  a  detailed  statement  of  the  disbursements,  conse 
quent  upon  the  reorganization  of  the  Militia  of  the  State,  from 
the  17th  day  of  April,  1861,  to  date : 

I  will  immediately  provide  the  disbursing  officers  with  clerks, 
to  make  up  and  report  the  statement  required.  It  may  take 
some  days  as  some  of  the  accounts  are  not  yet  reported  from 
Milwaukee,  by  Mr.  Holton,  who  has  been  the  contracting  and 
disbursing  officer  there.  As  soon  as  possible  the  report  will  be 
prepared. 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  May  22d,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  a  resolution  passed  by  your 
body  on  the  16th  inst.,  requesting  me  to  lay  before  the  Assembly 
a  detailed  statement  "of  the  expenditures  made,  under  my  di 
rection,  of  moneys  appropriated  by  the  bill  passed  at  the  close 
of  your  previous  session,  providing  for  the  calling  out  of  troops 


49  The  request  of  the  Governor  was  granted;  Ibid,  Jt.  Res.  no.  1. — ED. 

[64] 


1861  ]  MILITARY  DISBURSEMENTS 

in  answer  to  any  requisition  from  the  Federal  Government,  I 
required  the  agent  of  the  state  at  Milwaukee,  and  the  disbursing 
officer,  Paymaster- General  Sim'eon  Mills,  to  prepare  such  de 
tailed  statement.  It  is  only  yesterday  afternoon  that  I  have 
obtained  from  Milwaukee  the  full  statement,  with  vouchers, 
for  the  expenditures  made  there  previous  to  and  including  May 
7th,  and  it  will  be  impossible  to  procure  the  remainder  of  the 
statement  in  detail,  in  time  to  be  furnished  to  the  Assembly 
during  the  probable  duration  of  the  session.  I  have  therefore 
caused  to  be  prepared  a  statement  in  general  terms,  drawn  from 
the  examination  of  the  above  mentioned  vouchers,  and  from  the 
books  and  vouchers  in  possession  of  the  Paymaster-General, 
bringing  the  aggregate  down  to  this  date.  The  statement  is  as 
follows : 

Amount  drawn  from  Treasury  to  this  date $92,980.26 

[1]  Amount  strictly  chargeable  to  the  1st  regiment 15,623.84 

[2]  .Amount  chargeable  to  2d  regiment 14,330.78 

[3]  Amount  expended  for  3d  and  4th  regiments 1,191.64 

[4]  Amount  charged  to  "general  supplies" 38,258.74 

15]  Sundry  bills  paid  in  Milwaukee  24,030.00 

[6]  Expenses  of  fitting  and  furnishing  camp  at  Madison 2,750.00 


$96,185.95 
Clash  in  hands  of  Paymaster  General 3,205.69 


$92,980.26 

[1]  This  amount  does  not  represent  the  whole  amount  paid 
out  for  the  1st  Regiment,  it  being  drawn  from  the  vouchers  re 
turned  from  Milwaukee,  of  dates  previous  to  May  8th.  A  large 
portion  of  the  amount  in  item  number  5  has  gone  directly  to  the 
outfit,  subsistence,  etc.,  of  the  1st  Regiment,  which  has  been 
mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States. 

[2]  This  amount  has  been  expended  in  paying  bills  for  sub 
sistence  of  enlisted  men  whose  place  of  residence  was  outside 
of  the  towns  where  the  several  companies  were  located,  and  in 
the  purchase  of  uniforms  and  other  articles  for  their  equipment, 
5  [65] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL 

and  sundry  miscellaneous  bills  properly  chargeable  to  that 
Regiment. 

[3]  This  amount  has  been  paid  for  uniforms  and  subsist 
ence  bills  for  companies  in  the  3d  Eegiment. 

[4]  This  item  includes  a  large  amount  expended  in  the  pur 
chase  of  cloth  and  trimmings  for  uniforms,  knapsacks,  tents, 
blankets,  etc.  Some  of  these  articles  have  been  furnished  to  the 
1st  and  2d  regiments  and  a  portion  of  the  items  purchased  under 
the  next  item  [5]  remain  in  store  in  Milwaukee,  or  in  this  city, 
having  been  transferred,  from  Milwaukee.  As  accurate  a  cal 
culation  as  time  and  circumstances  will  allow,  shows  that  there 
are  in  store  materials  for  use  in  equipping  the  2d  and  following 
regiments,  amounting  to  about  $42,000.  The  rapid  and  increas 
ing  advance  in  the  prices  of  all  kinds  of  military  goods,  rendered 
it  advisable,  as  an  economical  measure,  in  my  judgment,  to  pro 
cure  these  goods  in  advance,  to  provide  for  regiments  which  I 
had  substantial  reasons  to  believe  would  be  soon  called  into 
service. 

[6]  For  the  amount  expended  under  this  head,  the  camp  at 
this  place  has  been  provided  with  whatever  is  necessary  for  its 
use  as  a  rendezvous  for  other  regiments,  after  the  one  now  oc 
cupying  it  has  been  mustered  into  the  U.  S.  service. 

The  request  of  the  Assembly  to  furnish  a  detailed  statement 
would  require  the  employment  of  clerks,  and  consume  more 
time  than  the  legislature  will  probably  be  in  session,  the  very 
large  number  of  items,  varying  from  10  cents  to  $10,000,  and 
would  require  the  attendance  of  the  assistant  Quartermaster 
General  away  from  his  duties  in  Milwaukee.  The  act  of  last 
winter,  requiring  only  a  report  to  the  next  Legislature  is  the 
reason  why  no  report  was  prepared  at  the  commencement  of 
the  present  special  session.  If  it  is  still  desired  that  the  detailed 
statement  be  prepared,  its  preparation  shall  be  proceeded  with 
at  once.  I  will  suggest  the  appointment  of  such  committee  as 
the  Assembly  may  deem  advisable,  to  examine  carefully  the 
vouchers  for  the  expenditure  of  moneys,  the  materials  pur- 

[66] 


1861  ]  MILITARY  ORGANIZATION 

chased  and  in  use,  and  the  large  amount  of  materials  on  hand 
for  the  use  of  other  regiments  as  they  may  be  formed.50 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


THE   WAR   ESTABLISHMENT 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  May  23,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

I  regret  the  difficulty  which  seems  to  have  arisen  in  regard 
to  the  designation  of  duties  to  be  performed  by  the  several  of 
ficers,  in  connection  with  the  war  establishment. 

If  the  Legislature  will  pass  the  bills  before  them  so  as  to 
authorize  the  Secretary  of  State  and  State  Treasurer,  or  either 
of  them,  to  accept  and  approve  the  bonds  of  Quartermaster, 
Paymaster,  and  officers  of  the  Commissary  Department,  and 
will  authorize  them  or  either  of  them  to  negotiate  the  sale  of 
the  bonds  to  be  issued  to  pay  the  expenses  of  the  contemplated 
military  organization,  it  will  be  a  great  relief  to  me,  in  the  way 
of  lightening  my  duties  and  responsibilities,  and  save  me  to 
that  extent  from  constant  misrepresentations.  Neither  of  those 
gentlemen  need  any  assistance  in  such  duties,  and  neither  of 
them  will  need  watching.  I  have  determined  that  no  personal 
considerations  shall  interfere  with  the  discharge  of  my  duties.61 

Whenever  three  persons  are  designated  in  any  of  the  bills 
before  the  Legislature,  to  do  any  act,  a  majority  of  those  per 
sons  should  be  vested  with  the  requisite  authority. 


so  A  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the  vouchers,  but  it  made 
no  report;  see  however,  report  of  Joint  Investigating  Committee  in 
Wis.  Sen.  Jour.,  1862,  ii,  p.  1017  ft,  also  p.  1141  ff .— ED. 

si  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  ex.  sess.,  1861,  chap.  13,  sec.  1,  provided  that 
the  Governor,  Secretary  of  State,  and  State  Treasurer  should  constitute 
a  hoard  of  loan  commissioners  to  negotiate  loans  not  to  exceed 
$1,000,000,  on  the  most  favorable  terms  obtainable;  see  post,  p.  83,  note 
59.— ED. 

[67] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l86l~ 

I  have  become  satisfied  that  if  specie  alone  is  to  be  demanded 
on  the  sale  of  bonds,  the  loss  to  the  State,  at  the  present  time, 
must  be  tweny  per  cent.,  or  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  upon 
the  million  of  dollars  of  bonds  authorized  to  be  sold.52 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  May  25,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

The  act  to  provide  for  the  purchase  of  arms,53  will,  from  its 
peculiar  provisions,  require  me  to  borrow  the  money  to  pay  the 
expenses  of  the  Commissioners  in  going  out  of  the  State  to  pur 
chase  arms,  if  it  should  be  necessary  to  send  Commissioners.  It 
will  be  with  extreme  difficulty  that  I  shall  be  able  to  accomplish 
what  is  required  to  be  done  under  the  acts  passed  by  the  Legis 
lature;  but  I  shall  struggle  to  the  best  advantage  in  the  dis 
charge  of  my  duties.  If  the  Legislature  insists  upon  it,  I  will 
endeavor  to  borrow  the  money.54 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  May  25,  1861. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

A  provision  in  the  war  bill  approved  this  day  prohibits  the 
payment  of  any  sum  exceeding  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 


52  i~bid,   chap.  13,  sec.  8,   provided  that  sixty  percent  of  the  bonds 
should  be  received  in  coin,  and  forty  percent  in  current  bills.     For  the 
negotiation  of  these  bonds  see  the  report  of  the  Secretary  of  State  for 
1861  in  Wis.  Governor's  Messages  and  Accompanying  Documents  (Madi 
son,  1862),  pp.  227,  228;  also  the  report  of  the  Joint  Investigating  Com 
mittee  in  Sen.  Jour.,  1862,  ii,  pp.  1008-1045,  and  p.  1141  ff.—  ED. 

53  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  ex.  sess.,  1861,  chap.  6. — ED. 

s*  The  expenses  of  the  commissioners  were  provided  far  by  Ibid, 
chap.  12. — ED. 

[68] 


MILITARY  ORGANIZATION 

dollars  per  month  to  any  officer  until  mustered  into  the  service 
of  the  United  States.  All  the  regimental  officers  and  all  officers 
above  the  grade  of  regimental  officers,  I  understand,  are  re 
quired  by  the  rules  of  the  "War  Department,  to  equip  and  uni 
form  themselves,  and  all  field  officers  to  buy  their  own  horses. 
I  submit  to  the  Legislature,  whether  the  rules  of  the  War  De 
partment,  the  practice  of  other  states,  and  the  honor  of  the 
state  of  Wisconsin,  would  not  warrant  a  change  in  that  law. 
As  it  now  is  the  services  of  volunteers  are  to  be  rendered  for  a 
small  sum,  so  far  as  the  officers  are  concerned,  and  in  addition 
to  services  rendered  in  patriotic  efforts  to  sustain  the  Govern 
ment,  they  will  be  compelled  to  pay  for  horses  and  uniforms 
partially  out  of  their  own  pockets.  Without  regard  to  the  ap 
pearance  of  such  legislation  abroad,  in  aid  of  volunteer  officers, 
I  submit  that  it  will  work  manifest  injustice  to  the  officers  them 
selves  if  the  act  is  not  amended. 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


[69 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  tl86l~ 

••  *V"k 

1861.    In  Legislative  Recess 

ANOTHER  CALL  FOR  TROOPS 

On  August  20,  1861,  the  Governor  issued  the  following  Pro 
clamation  : 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 
MADISON,  August  20th,  1861. 
To  the  Patriotic  People  of  Wisconsin: 

I  have  this  day  received  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  a  re 
quest  and  authority  to  raise,  in  this  State,  Five  additional  regi 
ments  of  Infantry  Volunteers  for  three  years,  or  the  war,  and 
Five  Batteries  of  Artillery,  over  and  above  the  7th  and  8th 
Regiments  already  accepted  for  service.  The  utmost  prompti 
tude  is  demanded  in  the  organization  of  these  forces,  and  I  con 
fidently  rely  upon  the  patriotism  of  the  people  of  Wisconsin, 
who  have  so  nobly  responded  to  the  calls  thus  far  made  upon 
them,  and  who  have  since  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion,  per 
sistently  pressed  their  services  upon  the  Government,  to  enable 
me  to  respond  speedily  to  this  new  call. 

The  regiments  of  Infantry  will  be  composed  as  follows: 

Each  regiment  will  consist  of  ten  companies,  and  each  com 
pany  will  be  organized  as  follows: 

Minimum.  Maximum. 

1  Captain.  1  Captain. 

1  First  Lieutenant.  1  First  Lieutenant. 

1  Second  Lieutenant.  1  Second  Lieutenant. 

1  First  Sergeant.  1  First  Sergeant. 
4  Sergeants.  4  Sergeants. 

8  Corporals.  8  Corporals. 

2  Musicians.  2  Musicians. 
1  Wagoner.  1  Wagoner. 

64  Privates.  82  Privates. 

83  Aggregate.  101  Aggregate. 

[70] 


i86i]  CALL  FOR  TROOPS 

Each  Regiment  will  be  organized  as  follows: 

Minimum 

S30  Company  officers  and  enlisted  men. 
1  Colonel. 

1  Lieutenant  Colonel. 
1  Major. 

1  Adjutant  (a  Lieutenant). 
1  Regimental  Quarter  Master  (a  Lieut). 
1  Assistant  Surgeon. 
1  Sergeant  Major. 

1  Regimental  Quarter  Master  Sergeant. 
1  Regime'ntal  Commissary  Sergeant. 

1  Hospital  Steward. 

2  Principal  Musicians. 
24  Musicians  for  Band. 

866  Aggregate. 

Maximum 

1,010  Company  officers  and  enlisted  men. 
1  Colonel. 

1  Lieutenant  Colonel. 
1  Major. 

1  Adjutant  (a  Lieutenant). 
1  Regimental  Quarter  Master  (a  Lieut.) 
1  Assistant  Surgeon. 
1  Sergeant  Major. 

1  Regimental  Quarter  Master  Sergeant. 
1  Regimental  Commissary  Sergeant. 

1  Hospital  Steward. 

2  Principal  Musicians. 
24  Musicians  for  Band. 

1,046  Aggregate. 

Of  the  Five  Regiments  of  Infantry,  one  will  be  composed  of 
Germans,  to  be  encamped  at  Milwaukee  immediately.  Special 
orders  for  the  organization  of  this  regiment,  will  be  issued  in  a 
few  days. 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [1861- 

In  order  to  ensure  the  early  enlistment  and  organization  of 
the  other  four  regiments,  all  persons  who  have  heretofore  re 
ceived  commissions  to  enroll  companies  for  the  war,  and  all 
other  parties  who  are  engaged  in  enlisting  companies,  are  in 
vited  and  requested  to  report  forthwith  the  number  enlisted  in. 
their  several  companies.  Whenever  companies  are  reported, 
by  reliable  men,  to  be  enlisted  to  the  number  of  40  able  bodied 
men  for  the  war,  and  their  service  tendered,  they  will  be  ac 
cepted,  and  ordered  to  such  rendezvous  as  may  be  designated, 
to  be  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  there 
after  recruited  till  full. 

In  many  localities  there  are  numbers  of  men  who  desire  to 
enter  into  the  military  service,  but  who  have  no  connection 
with  any  organization.  To  such  persons  information  will  be 
readily  given,  on  application  to  this  office,  enabling  them  to 
realize  their  wishes. 

Company  officers  will  be  elected  by  the  members  of  the  several 
companies  as  soon  as  there  are  sixty  men  enlisted. 

The  Five  Artillery  Companies  will  be  organized  as  follows, 
to  wit:  To  each 

Officers    Men  Horses 

Captain, 1 

Lieutenants,*    4 

Staff  Sergeants,**  2  2 

Sergeants,***    6  6 

Corporals,****    12 

Artificers,    6  6 

Buglers,   2  2 

Drivers,    52  84 

Cannoneers,   70 

Spare  Horses, 10 

5        150        110- 

*Commanding  Sections  and  Caissons. 
**First  Sergeant  and  Quartermaster  Sergeant. 
***Chiefs  of  Pieces. 
****Gunners  and  Chiefs  of  Caissons. 

(72] 


1861  ]  CALL  FOR  TROOPS 

The  Washington  Artillery  Go.  of  Milwaukee,  Capt. 
E.  F.  Hertzberg,  and  the  La  Crosse  Artillery,  Capt.  J.  F.  Foster, 
are  accepted  as  two  of  the  companies  to  be  raised,  and,  under 
special  orders,  will  recruit  immediately  to  the  required  number 
of  men.  We  have  a  large  number  of  trained  artillerymen  in 
this  State,  many  of  whom  have  already  tendered  their  services 
to  me  in  aid  of  the  Government.  Persons  who  can  bring  testi 
monials  as  to  their  experience  and  ability  to  command  batteries 
of  artillery,  are  invited  to  communicate  with  this  office  forth 
with. 

The  following  Companies,  heretofore  reported  full  for  the 
war,  are  authorized  to  be  placed  at  board  and  quarters  in  their 
respective  localities  at  not  to  exceed  30  cents  per  day  per  man, 
and  will  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  move  to  the  appointed 
rendezvous  by  the  first  of  September  at  the  latest.  Such  of 
them  as  are  ready  with  65  men  previous  to  that  date,  will  ad 
vise  this  office  of  the  fact  forthwith,  that  arrangements  may  be 
made  for  their  transportation  and  reception  in  camp: 

Wolf  River  Rifles,  New  London,  Lieut.  Hyde. 
Eau  Claire  Badgers,  Eau  Ciaire,  Capt.  Perkins. 

Bad  Ax  Volunteers,  De  Soto,  Capt. . 

Kingston  Guards,  Prairie  du  Sac,  Capt.  Dennet. 
Lancaster  Union  Guards,  Lancaster,  Capt.  Callis. 

Sheboygan  County  Independents,  Greenbush,  Capt. . 

Fox  Lake  Volunteer  Rifles,  Fox  Lake,  Capt.  Dawes. 

Badger  State  Guards,  Fennimore,  Capt.  Finnicum. 

Rough  and  Ready  Guards,  Fitchburg,  Capt.  Young. 

Sugar  River  Rifles,  Belleville,  Capt.  Estee. 

Island  City  Guards,  Neenah,  Capt.  Wheeler. 

Waterloo  Rifles,  Waterloo,  Capt.  Perry. 

Dixon  Guards,  Portage,  Capt.  Chrystie. 

Washington  Rifles,  Milwaukee,  Capt.  Orff. 

Janesville  Fire  Zouaves,  Janesville,  Capt.  Britton. 

La  Crosse  County  Rifles,  La  Crosse,  Capt.  Baker. 

Crawford  County  Volunteers,  Prairie  du  Chien,  Capt.  Green. 


[73] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [iS6i- 

In  testimony  whereof,   I  have  hereunto   set  my  hand,   and 
caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed  this  20th  day 

of  August,  A.  D.  1861. 

By  the  Governor, 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 
EDWARD  ILSLEY,  Assistant  Sec'y  of  State. 


WISCONSIN  MEN  FOR  WISCONSIN  REGIMENTS 

The  following  Proclamation  issued  by  the  Governor  on  Oct 
ober  3,  1861,  was  intended  to  keep  Wisconsin  volunteers  for  Wis 
consin  regiments: 

Proclamation 

It  has  become  necessary  that  some  measures  should  be  taken 
to  prevent,  so  far  as  is  possible,  the  enlistm'ent  in  this  State  of 
recruits  for  companies  and  regiments  in  other  states.  The 
enlistment  of  the  citizen  soldier  is  a  voluntary  act;  but  when 
the  disposition  is  to  depart  from  the  limits  of  his  own  state  to 
join  organizations  in  other  states,  it  should  be  restrained  by  a 
consideration  of  the  duty  due  to  the  name  and  reputation  of 
the  state  of  his  residence.  Until  some  restraint  can  be  placed 
upon  the  wholesale  recruiting  in  progress  in  Wisconsin  for  other 
states,  we  cannot  know  the  number  of  soldiers  which  this  State 
furnishes  for  the  war. 

It  is  my  duty  to  warn  all  citizens  of  Wisconsin,  that  by  en 
listments  in  organizations  outside  of  this  State,  they  lose  all 
right  to  participate  in  the  benefits  of  our  liberal  Volunteer  Aid 
Law,55  and  also  the  benefit  of  whatever  care  for  her  citizen  sol- 


55  The  Volunteer  Aid  Law  provided  for  the  payment  of  $5,  in  ad 
dition  to  regular  pay,  to  Wisconsin  volunteers  having  families  de 
pendent  upon  them.  The  la,w  was  repeatedly  amended,  either  limiting 
or  enlarging  its  scope.  Eventually  its  benefits  were  extended  to  Co. 
G,  Berdan's  Sharpshooters,  and  Van  Deutsch's  Cavalry,  troops  that  had 

[74] 


1861]  THANKSGIVING 

diers  the  State  authorities  can  extend  over  their  welfare ;  and  I 
hereby  make  public  notice,  that  henceforward  no  recruiting 
officer,  for  organizations  out  of  this  State,  will  be  allowed  to 
recruit  soldiers  for  such  foreign  organizations,  always  except 
ing  the  duly  authorized  recruiting  officers  for  the  United  States 
regular  service. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  and  caused 
the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed,  this  3d  day  of  October, 
A.  D.  1861. 

By  the  Governor, 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 

EDWARD  ILSLEY,  Assistant  Sec'y  of  State. 


THANKSGIVING  DAY  PROCLAMATION 

Proclamation 

Time  has  spent  another  of  its  years,  and  an  honored  custom 
calls  again  for  its  day  of  devout  thanksgiving. 

The  year  just  past  has  been  marvellous  for  its  fruits  of  good 
.and  of  evil. 

A  wise  God,  who  makes,  and  rules,  and  uses  and  destroys 
governments  and  nations  and  peoples  at  His  will,  is  trying  the 
cords,  that  for  more  than  three  quarters  of  a  century,  have 
bound  this  people  together.  In  the  midst  of  the  most  abundant 
prosperity;  while  art  and  science  and  education  and  a  true 
Religion  were  flourishing,  and  scattering  their  blessings  all 
abroad ;  right  when  our  Nation  had  grown  richest  and  strongest 
•and  greatest,  a  wicked  treason  upraised  its  head  and  sought  to 
destroy  all  that  was  venerable  and  sacred  and  wise  and  good 
among  the  American  people. 


been  raised  in  Wisconsin  but  were  not  fighting  under  Wisconsin  colors. 
The  total  amount  paid  to  families  of  volunteers  under  the  provisions 
of  this  law,  from  the  beginning  of  the  war  to  Sept.  30,  1865,  amounted 
to  $2,545,873.28.— ED. 

[751 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [1861- 

With  a  firm  reliance  upon  God's  long-suffering  and  forbear 
ance,  and  upon  his  just  judgments  the  majestic  power  of  the 
nation  is  now  manifested,  and  it  will  crush  out  that  treason, 
that  it  shall  be  known  henceforth  only  in  ignoble  history. 

The  enemies  of  a  true  liberty  will  not  be  suffered  to  prevail. 

"They  have  broken  a  solemn  covenant,  and  the  hand  of  a 
righteous  anger  shall  smite  them." 

"The  cities  of  the  South  shall  be  shut  up,  and  none  shall 
open  them." 

"Lift  up  your  eyes  and  behold  them  that  come  from  the 
North ;  where  is  the  flock  that  was  given  thee — thy  beautiful 
flock?" 

"What  wilt  thou  say  when  he  shall  punish  thee?  (for  thou 
hast  taught  them  to  be  captains  and  as  chief  over  thee)  :  shall 
not  sorrows  take  thee  as  a  woman  in  travail?" 

"Hear,  0  Earth:  Behold  I  will  bring  evil  upon  this  people, 
even  the  fruit  of  their  thoughts,  because  they  have  not  harkened 
unto  my  words,  nor  to  my  law,  but  rejected  it."  "I  will  scatter 
them  as  the  stubble  that  passeth  away  by  the  wind  of  the  wil 
derness.  ' ' 

"To  what  purpose  cometh  there  to  me  incense  from  Sheba, 
ind  the  sweet  cane  from  a  far  country?  Your  burnt  offerings 
are  not  acceptable,  nor  your  sacrifices  sweet  unto  me." 

"But  this  people  hath  a  revolting  and  rebellious  heart;  they 
are  revolters  and  gone." 

"They  are  all  grievous  revolters,  walking  with  slanders ;  they 
are  brass  and  iron;  they  are  all  corruptors." 

' '  Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord :  Behold,  I  will  lay  stumbling 
blocks  before  this  people,  and  the  fathers  and  the  sons  together 
shall  fall  upon  them;  the  neighbor  and  his  friend  shall  perish." 

' '  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Behold,  a  people  cometh  from  the  north 
country,  and  a  great  nation  shall  be  raised  from  the  sides  of  the 
earth."  "They  shall  lay  hold  on  bow  and  spear;  their  voice 
roareth  like  the  sea;  and  they  ride  upon  horses  set  in  array  as 
men  for  war." 

[76] 


THANKSGIVING 

Amid  these  great  evils  nature  is  steadfast,  honest  and  true. 
She  unlocks  her  granaries;  she  gives  to  the  laborer  his  hire. 
The  husbandman  reaps  his  reward  tenfold  and  an  hundredfold. 
While  riot  and  rage  exhaust  the  wicked,  the  sun  shines,  the 
rains  fall,  the  dews  descend,  and  the  glad  earth  yields  its 
increase  to  feed,  and  nourish,,  and  bless  mankind. 

The  blessings  of  the  Great  Father  are  still  unnumbered,  and 
his  mercies  ever  tender. 

Solemnly,  notwithstanding  great  national  trials  and  afflictions, 
let  the  people  give  thanks.  For  the  best  and  wisest  Government 
the  civilized  world  ever  saw — a  Government  rocked  but  not  over 
turned — let  the  people  give  thanks.  The  harvests  are  great, 
and  there  is  no  famine  in  the  land ;  let  the  people  give  thanks. 
There  has  been  no  pestilence ;  in  health  and  prosperity  we  have 
lived;  let  the  people  give  thanks.  While  men  are  learning  the 
arts  of  war,  they  are  not  forgetting  the  arts  of  peace.  Trusting 
that  this  great  nation  may  again  become  a  united,  loyal,  Consti 
tution-loving,  law-loving,  liberty-loving  people,  and  that  mater 
ial  prosperity,  education  and  Christianity  may  prevail;  in  the 
temples,  around  the  firesides,  at  the  feasts  and  everywhere, 
remembering  with  kindness  the  afflicted,  and  with  charity  the 
poor,  and  above  all  remembering  the  wives  and  children  of  the 
brave  men  who,  with  their  lives  in  their  hands,  have  gone  to 
fight  our  battles  for  us:  let  all  the  people,  with  thanksgiving, 
praise  Him. 

Thereunto  I,  Alexander  W.  Randall,  Governor  of  the  State 
of  Wisconsin,  do  appoint  Thursday,  the  28th  day  of  November 
next,  as  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  and  Prayer  and  Praise  to  Al 
mighty  God;  and  I  recommend  to  the  good  people  of  the  State 
that  they  abstain,  on  that  day,  from  their  ordinary  occupations, 
and,  gathering  in  appropriate  places  of  worship,  that  they  unite 
in  expressions  of  gratitude  to  God,  and  in  invoking  His  aid  to 
restore  peace  and  concord  to  our  distracted  country. 

In  witness  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused 
the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed,  at  Madison,  this  28th 

[77] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  tl86l~ 

day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  sixty-one. 

By  the  Governor, 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 
L.  P.  HARVEY,  Secretary  of  State,. 


NO  ADDITIONAL  REGIMENTS  NEEDED 

MADISON,  Nov.  26,  1861. 

Notice  is  hereby  given  to  all  persons  who  have  been  com 
missioned  with  authority  to  recruit  companies  for  the  volunteer 
service,  with  or  without  expense  to  the  State,  that  by  instruc 
tions  from  the  War  Department,  the  eighteen  regiments  of  in 
fantry  called  for  from  this  State,  will  complete  the  troops  of 
that  arm  of  the  service  needed  by  Government  for  the  present. 
Fourteen  of  these  regiments  are  full.  There  remain  only  the 
following  regiments  of  infantry  authorized  to  be  raised  by  the 
State  authorities,  to  wit: 

Fifteenth,  (Col.  Heg)  Scandinavian,  of  which  some  600  men  are  sup 
posed  to  be  enlisted. 

Sixteenth,  (Col.  Allen)  full  except  two  companies,  and  those  condi 
tionally  assigned. 

•     Seventeenth,    (Col.  Doran)   Irish,  the  condition  of  which  is  not  at 
present  known. 

Eighteenth,  (Col.  Alban).    No  companies  yet  assigned. 

Many  fractions  of  companies  have  been  accepted  having  been 
raised  to  forty  men  and  placed  at  board  and  quarters  but  not 
yet  reported  full,  and  the  object  of  this  proclamation  is  to  call 
the  attention  of  all  persons  engaged  in  raising  Companies  to 
the  necessity  of  immediate  consolidation  with  other  'fractional 
companies  in  order  that  they  may  be  reported  full  and  assigned 
to  regiments.  No  company  will  be  assigned  except  upon  posi 
tive  evidence  that  it  has  at  least  eighty-three  men  actually  sworn 
into  the  State  service,  and  ready  to  be  brought  to  Camp. 

[78] 


i86i]  RECRUITING  STOPPED 

In  witness  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused 
the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed  at  Madison,  this  26th 
day  of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight 

hundred  and  sixty-one. 

By  the  Governor, 

BUTLER  G.  NOBLE, 
[Lieutenant-Governor} 
Louis  P.  HARVEY,  Secretary  of  State. 


[79] 


GOVERNOR   RANDALL  [1862- 


1862.    Fifteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  8- 

April  7 

EXPENDITURE  OF  WAR  FUNDS 

Former  Governor  Randall  made  the  following  report  to  the 
Legislature  of  his  stewardship  of  the  war  funds  during  his  ad 
ministration  : 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  January  14,  1862. 
Hon.  J.  W.  Beardsley,  Speaker,  House  of  Assembly: 

I  herewith  transmit  to  the  Legislature  my  account  of  expendi 
ture  of  war  funds,  with  my  report,  which  please  lay  before  the 
assembly. 

Very  Respectfully, 

ALEX.  W.  RANDALL. 


MADISON,  WISCONSIN,  Jan.  6,  1862. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

At  the  close  of  the  last  session  of  the  Legislature  an  act  was 
passed  entitled  "an  act  to  provide  for  the  defence  of  the  State, 
and  to  aid  in  enforcing  the  laws  and  maintaining  the  authority 
of  the  Federal  Government. '  'B6 

The  act  made  it  my  duty,  in  case  a  call  was  made  by  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States  upon  this  State,  to  aid  in  maintaining 
the  Union  and  the  supremacy  of  the  laws,  or  to  suppress  rebellion 
or  insurrection ;  or  to  repel  invasion  within  the  United  States,  to 
take  such  measures  as,  in  my  judgment,  should  provide  in  the 
speediest  and  most  efficient  manner  for  responding  to  such  call.  I 
was  authorized  to  accept  the  services  of  volunteers  for  active 
service,  to  be  enrolled  in  companies  and  in  regiments,  and  to 


56  See  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1861,  chaps.  239,  307. — ED. 

[go] 


1862]  EXPENDITURE  OF  WAR  FUNDS 

commission  officers  for  the  same.  I  was  also  authorized  to  con 
tract  with  responsible  parties  for  uniforms  for  such  of  the  vol 
unteers  as  were  not  provided  therewith,  and  for  such  other 
equipments  as  were  necessary  and  proper  for  putting  such  com 
panies  in  condition  for  active  service. 

The  sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  was  appropriated 
"for  the  purpose  of  carrying  into  effect  the  provisions  of  this 
act,  and  to  defray  the  expense  of  transporting  troops,  and  of 
procuring  and  transporting  arms  and  munitions  of  war,  to  be 
drawn  on  my  warrant  as  occasion  might  require."  For  the  ex 
penditure  of  this  money,  I  was  required  to  file  vouchers  in  the 
office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  to  make  report  to  the  (then) 
next  Legislature. 

I  now  make  the  report,  and  upon  its  presentation  the  vouchers 
will  be  found  filed  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State. 

The  sum  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  was,  by  the  act 
above  referred  to,  appropriated  to  the  Governor  of  the  State  for 
his  contingent  expenses  as  Commander-in-Chief,  to  be  drawn  on 
his  warrant,  as  occasion  might  require,  at  his  discretion. 

To  reimburse  the  Treasury,  bonds  of  one  thousand  dollars 
each,  to  the  number  of  two  hundred,  were  authorized  to  be  issued 
by  the  Governor  and  sold  by  him,  at  not  less  than  par  value; 
the  money  arising  from  the  sale  of  such  bonds  to  be  deposited 
with  the  State  Treasurer,  and  to  be  used  only  for  the  purposes 
contemplated  by  the  act.  Only  thirteen  of  those  bonds  have 
been  sold,  the  balance  remaining  in  the  Treasury.57  Upon  the 
thirteen  bonds  sold  was  realized  the  sum  of  thirteen  thousand 
and  seven  dollars  and  fifty  cents,  which  sum  was  paid  into  the 
Treasury  of  the  State. 


"Twenty-six  bonds  were  eventually  disposed  of,  most  of  them  in 
payment  of  claims  against  the  State.  The  failure  of  the  Governor  to 
negotiate  the  remainder  was  due  to  the  provision  in  the  act  forbidding 
their  sale  at  less  than  par.  In  the  later  act,  providing  for  a  million- 
dollar  bond  issue,  the  loan  commissioners  were  authorized  to  dispose 
of  the  bonds  on  the  most  favorable  terms  which  in  their  judgment 
co'uld  be  obtained. — ED. 

6  [81] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  tl862~ 

Of  the  sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  so  appropriated, 
a  balance  of  fourteen  thousand  two  hundred  and  twelve  dollar* 
and  seventy-five  cents  remains  undrawn  in  the  Treasury.  The 
accompanying  statement,  marked  "A",  shows  the  amount  of 
this  fund  drawn  by  me,  and  for  what  purposes,  except  that 
portion  drawn  on  my  warrants  for  the  Paymaster  General, 
Quartermaster  General,  and  Commissary  General,  which  did  not 
pass  through  my  hands,  and  which  is  accounted  for  by  them  re 
spectively. 

Of  the  sum  of  40,506.40  drawn  by  me,  and  for  the  disburse 
ment  of  which  I  am  directly  chargeable,  the  sum  of  seventeen 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  forty-nine  dollars  and  forty  cents 
was  drawn  on  account  of  James  Holton,  Esq.,  Ass't.  Quarter 
master  General  in  Milwaukee,  and  accounted  for  by 

him $17,749.40 

One  thousand  dollars  advanced  to  contractors  for 
subsistence  of  troops  at  Camp  Randall  and  de 
ducted  on  settlement  1,000.00 

Cash  paid  draft  for  purchase  of  blankets 8,880.00 

Cash  paid  Commissioners  to  purchase  arms 600 . 00 

Cash  advanced  to  E.   R.  "Wadsworth,   Commissary 

General,  and  accounted  for  by  him 200 . 00 


$28,429.40 

The  balance  of  twelve  thousand  and  seventy-seven  dollars  is 
fully  accounted  for  in  the  exhibit  marked  "A",  above  referred 
to,  with  the  vouchers  on  file  awaiting  inspection. 

The  item  of  $221.50  paid  to  J.  "W.  Polleys  for  services  and 
expenses,  is  more  properly  chargeable  to  the  appropriation  of 
the  ten  thousand  dollars  extraordinary  expenditure  fund,  made 
at  the  extra  session  of  the  Legislature,  although  it  makes  no  dif 
ference  with  the  gross  amount  of  the  expenditures. 

At  the  extra  session  of  the  Legislature  in  May  last,  in  order 
to  meet  public  exigencies,  an  act  appropriating  one  million  of 
dollars  was  passed,  and  bonds  authorized  to  be  issued  for  that 

[82] 


1862]  EXPENDITURE  OF  WAR   FUNDS 

amount,  and  to  be  sold  by  the  Governor,  Secretary  of  State,  and 
State  Treasurer.-"8  The  money  realized  upon  such  sale  to  be 
paid  into  the  State  Treasury.  There  remains  unsold  of  these 
bonds,  about  $85,000,  as  I  am  informed  by  the  State  Treasurer.59 
The  law  provided  that  this  money  should  be  drawn  upon  the 
warrants  of  the  Secretary  of  State  in  favor  of  the  Paymaster 
upon  monthly  estimates  made  and  certified  by  the  Paymaster 
and  Governor,  and  filed  with  the  Secretary  of  State,  of  moneys 
due  to  the  State  troops,  and  other  necessary  expenses  required 
to  be  paid  for  military  purposes,  under  the  provisions  of  the 
act,  not  including  amounts  necessary  for  the  purchase  of  arms 
and  munitions  of  war. 

With  the  disbursement  of  this  money,  with  the  exception  of 
ten  thousand  dollars  specifically  appropriated,  I  had  nothing 
to  do. 

An  act  approved  May  25,  1861,  provides  as  follows:  "The- 
Governor  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  employ  such 
aids,  clerks  and  messengers  as  the  public  interest  may  'require, 
and  allow  them  such  reasonable  compensation  for  their  services 
and  expenses  as  in  his  judgment  they  shall  be  entitled  to  re 
ceive  and  on  the  requisition  of  the  Governor,  the  Secretary  of 
State  shall  draw  his  warrant  on  the  Treasury  for  the  amount 
so  required  by  the  Governor,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  War, Fund, 
not  to  exceed  in  the  aggregate  ten  thousand  dollars."60 

The  accompanying  statement  marked  "B",  shows  to  whom 
this  money  was  paid  and  for  what  purposes.  The  receipts,  cer 
tificates  and  vouchers  are  on  file  for  examination,  with  the  re- 


ss  See  Wis.  Gen.  Laws.  ex.  sess.,  1861,  chap.  13. — ED. 

59  The  negotiation  of  these  bonds  was  investigated  by  a  joint  com 
mittee  of  the  Legislature.  Its  report  is  a  harsh  criticism  directed 
against  Governor  Randall  and  his  associates  on  the  loan  commission. 
See  Wis.  Sen.  Jour.,  1862,  ii,  p.  1005  ff;  for  the  minority  report  of  the 
committee  see  Ibid,  p.  1141  ff. — ED. 

oo  See  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  ex.  sess.,  1861,  chap.  3. — ED. 


[83 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [1862- 

ports  of  agents  to  whom  any  considerable  sums  were  entrusted, 
.showing  in  detail  the  manner  and  objects  of  the  expenditures. 

I  invite  a  careful  and  candid  scrutiny  of  the  disposition  of 
this  Fund,  and  desire  that  each  of  the  persons  employed  be 
'summoned  before  your  committees  of  investigation,  to  testify 
as  to  the  agencies  in  which  they  were  employed,  and  the  pur 
poses  of  those  agencies ;  as  to  the  moneys  entrusted  to  them,  and 
what  they  did  with  such  moneys.  These  agents  are  all  or  nearly 
all  within  reach,  and  will  most  readily  respond  to  such  a  call.  I 
ask  then  that  thei^r  testimony  be  published  with  this  report, 
with  either  the  approval  or  the  condemnation  of  the  Legislature. 
I  ask  this  as  an  act  of  justice  to  myself,  because  the  disposition 
of  some  portion  of  this  money  has  been  condemned  without  a 
full  understanding,  and  I  desire  the  people  of  the  State,  with  a 
full  knowledge  of  all  the  facts,  to  pass  judgment  upon  it.61  W.  H. 
Watson,  Esq.,  who  has  been  my  private  Secretary,  and  who  is 
the  private  Secretary  of  Gov.  Harvey,  will,  at  all  times,  give  any 
information  or  explanation.  Many  of  the  men  employed  are 
among  the  most  respectable  and  responsible  m'en  in  the  State, 
and*  I  believe  they  have  all  been  honest  and  faithful  in  the  dis 
charge  of  their  trusts. 

It  is  due  to  the  Legislature  and  the  people  that  I  make  some 
explanation — not  excuses — for  the  manner  in  which  the  public 
business  has  been  conducted  by  myself  and  by  those  in  subor 
dinate  departments  under  my  direction. 

When  this  war  broke  out  and  the  State  was  called  upon  by 
the  President  for  aid,  there  were  no  military  forces  in  the  state 
organized  and  liable  to  be  called  upon  for  actual  service.  The 
few  arms  which  had  been  distributed  to  the  state  by  the  Fed 
eral  Government  were  scattered  over  the  state.  We  had  no 
military  organization,  and  so  far  as  was  known  to  the  authori- 


ei  The  joint  committee  of  the  Legislature,  appointed  to  examine  into 
the  negotiation  of  the  million-dollar  bond  issue,  investigated  also  the 
conduct  of  the  State  agents.  Its  report  is  very  hostile;  see  Wis.  Sen* 
.Jour.,  1862,  ii,  p.  1022  ff,  also  p.  1153  ff.— ED. 

[84] 


1 862]  EXPENDITURE  OF  WAR  FUNDS 

ties,  no  experienced  military  men  in  the  state.  For  three  suc 
cessive  years  I  had  asked  the  Legislature  to  provide  some  kind  of 
an  organization,  to  the  end  that  although  not  a  military  people, 
there  might  be  some  military  education  in  the  state.  The  Legis 
lature  judged  this  to  be  unnecessary,  and  it  was  not  done.  The 
state  authorities  were  suddenly  called  upon  to  organize  and 
uniform  and  equip  large  military  forces  for  active  service.  The 
General  Government  had  issued  no  specific  instructions  as  to 
the  manner  in  which  this  work  was  to  be  done.  We  had  no 
system,  and  labored  constantly  under  difficulties  and  embarrass 
ments  at  a  great  distance  from  the  seat  of  government.  While 
supporting  large  bodies  of  men,  to  save  time  was  to  save  money. 
My  experience  was  like  the  experience  of  the  executives  of  other 
states,  and  like  them  I  was  compelled  to  send  messengers  fre 
quently  to  Washington.  It  was  the  surest,  the  quickest  and 
only  effectual  mode  of  transacting  any  important  business  with 
the  Departments.  The  experience  of  Treasurer  Hastings  and 
others  will  bear  this  witness.  I  judged  this  the  best  course  to 
take  and  adopted  it.  What  was  effected  by  these  messengers 
proved  that  I  acted  wisely.  A  part  of  the  ten  thousand  dollars 
was  appropriated  for  this  purpose  and  so  used. 

The  insufficient  accommodations  for  transporting  large  bodies 
of  men,  and  large  military  stores,  except  upon  the  direct  lines 
of  railroads,  and  the  want  of  experience  in  the  care  of  soldiers, 
both  well  and  sick,  induced  me  to  adopt  the  plan  of  sending 
with  our  regiments  agents,  whose  business  it  should  be  to  setef 
that  our  neighbors  who  had  volunteered  to  fight  for  us,  should 
not  suffer  for  want  of  care,  in  case  of  accident  or  sickness.  The 
precaution  was  a  wise  one,  if  it  is  wise  or  right  to  take  care  of 
sick  and  suffering  men.  While  some  of  our  regiments  reached 
the  seat  of  war  without  accident  and  without  serious  sickness, 
and  so  required  no  especial  attention  or  expense,  some  of  the 
soldiers  in  many  of  them  were  left  on  the  way  and  but  for  the 
care  and  attendance  of  these  agents  would  have  died.  The  sick 
soldiers  left  at  Elmira  and  Harrisburg  and  Baltimore,  who 
were  cooked  for  and  washed  for  and  attended  upon  day  after 

[85] 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l862~ 

day  and  night  after  night  by  Sanders  and  Hurlbut  and  Hill 
and  others,  and  the  sick  men  brought  home  to  their  families  and 
friends  by  Fairchild,  received  relief  worth  the  whole  amount 
expended  and  more.  While  all  the  agents  may  not  have  been 
well  chosen,  I  conceived  the  course  a  wise  one.  It  was  for  such 
purposes  that  other  portions  of  the  ten  thousand  dollars  were 
used.  This  course  has  been  adopted  by  many  of  the  other  States, 
and  has  received  not  only  the  commendation  of  the  authorities 
of  those  states,  but  the  commendation  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 
who  complimented  Wisconsin  for  inaugurating  the  system,  and 
for  the  interest  manifested  for  the  welfare  of  her  soldiers.  My 
only  regret  is,  that  I  had  so  little  means  at  my  command  to  de 
vote  to  such  uses.  In  the  movements  of  our  regiments,  large 
amounts  of  clothing  and  other  State  and  Government  property 
have  been  taken  care  of  by  these  agents,  which  otherwise  would 
have  been  lost  or  destroyed,  in  value  far  greater  than  the  whole 
amount  expended.  The  policy  ought  to  be  continued. 

The  Legislature,  when  the  first  call  was  made  upon  the  States 
for  aid,  did  not  anticipate  what  has  since  followed.  It  was 
supposed  that  not  more  than  six  or  eight  Regiments  would  be 
required  from  the  State,  and  made  provision  only  for  that, 
while  nearly  if  not  quite  twenty  thousand  men  have  been  mus 
tered  into  the  United  States  service.  It  is  the  universal  testi 
mony  wherever  the  Wisconsin  Begim'ents  have  gone,  and  along 
the  routes  over  which  they  have  passed,  that  no  better  troops 
can  be  found,  and  that  none  have  been  better  uniformed  or 
equipped,  or  provided  for,  than  those  from  this  State,  and  I  be 
lieve  that  the  closest  examination  will  show  that  in  the  Pay 
master  's,  and  Quartermaster's  and  Commissary's  Departments, 
every  effort  has  been  made  to  save  the  State  expense  and  loss. 

Many  expenses  have  been  incurred  not  authorized  by  army 
regulations,  because  for  a  long  time  we  did  not  know  what  the 
army  regulations  were.  Some  expenses  have  been  incurred  and 
money  paid  by  the  Paymaster,  Quartermaster  and  Commissary 
that  I  knew  were  not  according  to  army  regulations,  under  my 
direction,  because  I  did  not  wish"  to  see  our  soldiers,  unused  to 

[861 


i862]  EXPENDITURE  OF  WAR  FUNDS 

the  hardships  of  camp  life,  and  going  from  comfortable  and 
pleasant  homes,  suffer  or  die  according  to  strict  military  rule. 

These  soldiers  help  pay  the  expense  as  well  as  fight  the  bat 
tles,  and  I  have  directed  a  few  newspapers  to  be  sent  to  each 
company.  To  provide  against  necessity  or  accident,  a  few  ex 
tra  blankets,  and  a  few  extra  pairs  of  shoes,  and  a  few  ex 
tra  uniforms  have  been  sent  forward  with  each  regiment.  I 
have  audited  and  ordered  paid  some  small  bills  of  officers,  made 
under  misunderstanding  of  army  rules,  and  have  paid  some 
small  bills  for  injuries  done  to  the  property  of  citizens  by  bands 
of  soldiers,  rather  than  have  regiments  delayed  at  the  expense 
of  hundreds  of  dollars,  growing  out  of  threatened  controversies. 
Knowing  that  soldiers  who  drill  eight  hours  in  the  day  cannot 
well  perform  much  other  labor,  and  to  enable  them  to  perfect 
themselves  as  fast  as  possible  in  the  discipline  and  duties  of 
soldiers,  I  have  relieved  them  as  far  as  possible  from 
other  labors  in  camp,  and  endeavored  to  make  them  forget 
their  privations  by  supplying  their  wants.  If  more  means  had 
been  at  my  disposal,  I  should  have  expended  more  upon  them. 

As  required  by  law,  I  fixed  the  compensation  of  the  Quarter 
master  General,  Paymaster  General,  Inspector  General,  Adju 
tant  General,  Commissary  General,  their  assistants  and  clerks. 
After  seeing  the  great  amount  of  labor  they  performed,  and  the 
pay  adopted  in  other  States,  and  upon  consultation  with  the 
United  States  Assistant  Quartermaster,  I  increased  their  com 
pensation,  keeping  within  the  rule  prescribed  by  the  act,  adopt 
ing  the  rule  of  paying  men  for  well  doing  what  their  services 
were  worth.  These  officers  all  desire  that  the  Legislature  should 
investigate  their  acts. 

The  policy  of  experimenting  with  soldiers  to  ascertain  how 
little  they  can  live  upon,  or  how  hard  fare,  and  how  extreme 
privations  they  can  endure,  and  escape  sickness  or  death,  is  the 
policy  of  all  time,  and  its  result  has  been  with  all  armies  and  in 
all  nations,  that  more  men  die  in  camp  than  are  slain  in  battle. 
I  believe  this  rebellion  is  to  be  atoned  for  in  blood,  and  that  the 
business  of  an  army  is  to  fight,  and  that,  therefore,  that  course 


GOVERNOR  RANDALL  [l862~ 

which  will  most  husband  the  strength  and  preserve  the  health 
of  the  soldier  until  the  day  of  battle,  is  the  wisest  and  best. 

Respectfully, 

ALEX.  "W.  RANDALL. 


[88] 


Governor  Louis   P.   Harvey 

From  a  photograph  taken  during  the  War 


l862]  SKETCH   OF   GOVERNOR   HARVEY 


1862.      Louis  Powell  Harvev 

i  • 

Biographical  Sketch 

Louis  Powell  Harvey,  the  seventh  Governor  of  Wisconsin, 
was  born  July  22,  1820,  at  East  Haddam,  Connecticut.  In 
1828  the  family  moved  to  Strongsville,  Cuyahoga  County,  Ohio. 
Here  Louis  prepared  himself  for  college,  and  earned 
money  to  support  himself  therein.  In  1837  he  entered  Western 
Reserve  College  at  Hudson,  and  remained  there  two  years,  when 
he  was  compelled  by  ill-health  to  leave.  Subsequently  he  taught 
in  an  academy  at  Nicholasville,  Kentucky,  and  in  Woodward 
College,  Cincinnati.  He  was  a  Whig  speaker  in  Ohio,  in  the 
Harrison  campaign  of  1840. 

Harvey  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1841  and  settled  at 
Southport  (now  Kenosha),  where  he  took  charge  of  the  South- 
port  Academy.  In  1843  he  added  to  his  teaching  the  editorship 
of  the  Southport  American,  a  Whig  paper,  and  continued  there 
with  until  1846.  During  this  time  he  was  prominent  in  local 
affairs  and  held  various  public  offices,  among  them  that  of  post 
master. 

In  1847  he  married  Cordelia  A.  Perrine,  a  native  of  Barre, 
Orleans  County,  New  York,  and  the  same  year  moved  to  Clinton, 
Bock  County,  Wisconsin,  where  he  opened  a  store.  That  aut 
umn  he  was  elected  a  delegate  from  Bock  County  to  the  Sec 
ond  Constitutional  Convention.  In  the  Convention  he  was  es 
pecially  active  and  aided  in  drafting  the  provisions  of  the  Con 
stitution  which  established  the  school  system  of  the  State. 

Another  change  of  residence  was  made  in  1851,  when  he 
moved  to  Waterloo,  now  Shopiere,  in  Rock  County.  Here  he 
continued  in  business,  and  in  addition  to  keeping  a  store  oper 
ated  a  flour  mill. 


GOVERNOR  HARVEY  [l862~ 

At  the  election  of  1853,  Harvey  was  chosen  State  senator  from 
the  southern  district  of  Kock  County,  being  re-elected  in  1855. 
During  the  years  covered  by  his  two  terms  when  corruption 
was  rampant  in  the  Legislature,  his  honesty  and  integrity  were 
never  questioned.  He  now  became  active  in  the  Republican 
party,  and  at  different  times  was  mentioned  as  candidate  for 
Congressman,  Governor,  and  United  States  Senator. 

In  1859,  Harvey  was  elected  Secretary  of  State.  He  was  al 
ways  deeply  interested  in  education,  and  as  an  ex-officio  regent 
was  an  active  friend  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin.  In 
1861  he  was  nominated  for  Governor  by  both  the  Union  and 
Republican  conventions,  and  was  elected  by  a  large  majority. 
Inaugurated  on  January  6,  1862,  he  performed  the  trying  duties 
of  his  office  with  devotion  and  energy  until  his  tragic  death  on 
April  19. 

The  Wisconsin  troops  at  the  Battle  of  Shiloh,  April  6  and  7, 
suffered  severely.  As  soon  as  this  fact  was  known  in  Madison, 
the  Governor  sent  out  an  urgent  call  for  supplies  for  the  relief 
of  the  wounded,  and  announced  that  he  would  himself  take 
them  to  the  hospitals  and  see  that  everything  possible  was  done 
for  the  sufferers.  He  started  on  April  10.  His  mission  was 
successful  both  in  securing  care  and  attention  for  the  wounded 
Wisconsin  soldiers,  and  in  cheering  them  by  his  presence  and 
sympathy. 

His  work  ended,  he  prepared  on  April  19  to  leave  Savannah 
(ten  miles  below  Pittsburgh  Landing)  for  Cairo,  on  the  steamer 
4t  January. "  She  arrived  too  early  in  the  evening,  however, 
and  the  Governor  and  his  party  went  on  board  the  "Dunleith," 
which  was  lying  there  to  wait  for  the  "Minnehaha,"  expected 
the  following  morning.  She  came,  however,  late  in  the  evening. 
The  Governor  and  his  party  were  called,  and  as  she  rounded  to 
were  standing  on  the  deck  of  the  l '  Dunleith. ' '  As  the  bow  of 
the  "Minnehaha"  came  near,  the  Governor  moved,  apparently 
to  get  out  of  the  way,  and  making  a  misstep  fell  overboard  be 
tween  the  two  boats.  Everyone,  both  friends  and  strangers, 
made  the  utmost  efforts  to  save  him ;  but  the  night  was  dark  and 

[90] 


i862]  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

rainy,  and  the  current  strong,  and  lie  was  quickly  borne  down 
stream,  where  no  aid  could  reach  him.  His  body  was  found 
some  days  later  about  sixty  miles  down  the  river,  and  was 
brought  to  Madison,  where  it  was  buried  with  imposing  cere 
monies. 

After  his  death  Mrs.  Harvey,  a  woman  of  unusual  energy  and 
ability,  devoted  herself  to  work  in  the  hospitals,  as  State  agent, 
and  exerted  a  national  influence  for  needed  army  reforms. 
She  subsequently  married  Rev.  Arthur  T.  Chester  of  Buffalo, 
New  York,  and  died  February  27,  1895,  at  Clinton,  Wisconsin. 
Her  remains  were  buried  in  Madison. 


GOVERNOR   HARVEY  [1862- 


1862.    Fifteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  8- 

Apiil  7 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  10,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

of  which  we  present  only  those  portions  having  reference  to  the 
war  and  Wisconsin's  participation  therein: 

Fellow  Citizens  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

The  circumstances  under  which  we  meet  can  scarcely  fail  to 
impress  especial  awe  of  the  responsibilities  assumed  with  our 
respective  trusts.  Grave  duties  are  to  be  discharged  amid  ex 
traordinary  difficulties,  while  unusual  importance  attaches  to 
the  manner  of  their  discharge.  The  management  of  the  inter 
ests  confided  to  us  will  be  watched  by  our  constituents  with 
eager  solicitude. 

Fortunately,  the  independent  action  of  the  people  in  the  late 
election,  permits  to  their  representatives  an  unusual  freedom  to 
accept  the  guidance  of  personal  convictions  of  duty  upon  all 
measures  of  public  policy. 

No  previous  Legislature  has  convened  under  equal  incentives 
to  a  disinterested  zeal  in  the  public  service.  The  occasion  pleads 
with  you  in  rebuke  of  all  the  meaner  passions — admonishing  to 
the  exercise  of  a  conscientious  patriotism,  becoming  the  represen 
tative  of  a  Christian  people,  called,  in  God's  providence,  to  pass 
through  the  furnace  of  a  great  trial  of  their  virtue,  and  of  the 
strength  of  their  government. 


[92] 


l862]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


WAR  FUND.62 

Transactions  in  the  War  Fund  created  by  chapters  239  and 
•307  of  the  acts  passed  by  the  last  Legislature,  at  the  regular 
session,  and  chapter  13  of  the  acts  passed  at  the  special  session, 
are  as  follows:63 

RECEIPTS 

From  sale  of  bonds  of  the  $200,000  issue $13,007  50 

From  sale  of  bonds  of  the  $1;000,000  issue 646,590  00 

From  United  States,  40  per  cent  of  State's  claim  for 

expenses  on  first  six  Regiments 205,000  00 

From  United  States  for  subsistence  of  1st  Regiment 3,531  00 

From  United  States,  Quarter-Master's  bills,  audited  and 

paid  Dec.  31st,  1861 88,320  23 

From  Monroe  Co.  Bank,  one  per  cent  on  $42,000  bonds 420  00 


$957,368  79 

DISBURSEMENTS 

To  A.  W.  Randall,  Governor,  on  appropriations  by  chapter 

307,  regular  session,  and  chapter  13,  special  session $200,668  39 

To  Simeon  Mills,  paymaster 650,748  51 

For  expenses  of  special  session 8,256  79 

For  extra  pay  to  volunteers  and  their  families 34,480  17 

To  discharged  volunteers  1,169  97 

For  printing  and  advertising 10.357  76 

For  postage,  clerk  hire,  and  gas  bills 1,460  11 

Balance  on  hand  Jan.  1st,  1862 50,227  09 


Total  disbursements  and  balance $957,368  79 


e^  Detailed  accounts  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  war  and 
other  funds  may  be  found  in  the  reports  of  the  Secretary  of  State  and 
State  Treasurer;  see  Wis.  Mess,  and  Docs. — ED. 

es  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1861,  chaps.  239,  307,  authorized  an  appropriation 
of  $200,000  for  equipping  troops.  Id,  ex.  sess.,  1861,  chap.  13,  au 
thorized  a  loan  of  $1,000,000  for  war  purposes. — ED. 

[93] 


GOVERNOR   HARVEY 


[1862- 


Vouchers  have  been  filed  in  the  Secretary  of  State's  office  by 
the  Paymaster  General  of  the  State,  for  the  expenditure  of 
$820,526.43;  the  accounts  audited  directly  by  the  Secretary  of 
State  amount  to  $55,724.80— the  remaining  $30,890.47  includes : 
Military  Contingent  Fund,  $2,500 ;  appropriation  of  $10,000.00 
for  Extraordinary  Expenses,  and  certain  expenditures  directly 
by  the  Governor,  for  which  vouchers  will  be  presented  to  the 
Legislature  with  the  report  shortly  to  be  made  by  my  prede 
cessor. 

Wisconsin  furnished  to  the.  service  of  the  General  Govern 
ment,  under  the  call  for  volunteers  for  three  months,  one  regi- 
m'ent — the  First  Wisconsin,  Col.  J.  C.  Starkweather.  This  regi 
ment — numbering  810  men — left  Milwaukee  the  9th  day  of 
June  last,  and  returned,  and  was  mustered  from  the  service, 
August  17th.  A  portion  of  this  Regiment  played  a  distinguished 
part  in  the  engagement  at  Falling  Waters,  Virginia.64 

Under  the  call  for  volunteers  for  three  years,  or  the  war,  Wis 
consin  has  now  in  the  field  ten  regiments,  as  follows: 


Number  of  Officers, 

No.    Colonel  Commanding.    Left  the  State.  Destination.  Musicians  &  Privates. 

2nd. 

S.  Park  Coon. 

June  20. 

Washington. 

1062 

3rd. 

C.  8.  Hamilton. 

July  12. 

Harper's  Ferry,  Va 

.     979 

4th. 

Halbert  E.  Paine. 

July  15. 

Washington. 

1053 

5th. 

Amasa  Cobb. 

July  24. 

Washington. 

1057 

6th. 

Lysander  Cutler. 

July  28. 

Washington.  , 

1083 

7th. 

Joseph  Van  Dor. 

Sept.  21. 

Washington. 

1016 

8th. 

R.  C.  Murphy. 

Oct.    12. 

St.  Louis,  Mo. 

966 

10th. 

A.  R.  Chapin. 

Nov.    9. 

Louisville,  Ky. 

908 

*lst. 

J.  C.  Starkweather. 

Oct.    28. 

Louisville,  Ky. 

947 

llth. 

C.  L.  Harris. 

Nov.  20. 

St.  Louis,  Mo. 

1046 

Total 10, 117 

There  are  now  organized  in  camp  and  awaiting  orders,  the 
following  regiments: 


e-i  July  2,  1861.— ED. 
*  Reorganized. 


94 


l862]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

9th,  Frederick  Salomon,  Camp  Sigel,  Milwaukee 940 

12th,  Geo.  E.  Bryant,  Camp  Randall,  Madison 1039 

13th,  M.  Malony,  Camp  Tredway,  Janesville 919 

14th,  D.  E.  Wood,  Camp  Wood,  Fond  du  Lac 859 

Total   3,757 

The  15th,  or  Scandinavian  Regiment,  Col.  H.  C.  Heg,  700 
men,  and  the  16th,  Col.  Benj.  Allen,  900  men,  are  also  at  Camp 
Randall,  in  near  readiness  for  marching  orders.  The  17th 
(Irish)  Regiment,  Col.  J.  L.  Doran,  and  the  18th,  Col.  James  S. 
Alban,  have  their  full  number  of  companies  in  readiness,  lack 
ing  one,  and  are  notified  to  go  into  camp — the  former  at  Madi 
son,  and  the  latter  at  Milwaukee.  These  companies  are  not  all 
full,  but  will  muster  1400  men.  Seven  companies  of  artillery, 
numbering  together  1050  men,  have  long  remained  in  Camp 
Utley,  Racine,  impatient  of  the  delays  of  Government  in  calling 
them  to  move  forward.  Three  additional  companies  of  artillery 
are  about  going  into  camp,  numbering  334  men.  Besides  these, 
the  State  has  furnished  an  independent  company  of  cavalry,  now 
in  Missouri,  raised  by  Capt.  Van  Deut-sch,  81  men ;  a  company  of 
104  men  for  Berdan's  sharpshooters;  and  an  additional  company 
for  the  2d  regiment,  of  about  80  men.  Three  regiments  of 
cavalry— the  1st,  Col.  E.  Daniels;  the  2d,  Col.  C.  C.  Washburn; 
and  the  3d,  Col.  W.  A.  Barstow,  are  being  organized,  and  num 
ber,  together,  2450  men.  A  19th  (Independent)  regiment  is 
being  rapidly  organized  under  direction  of  the  Government,  by 
Col.  H.  T.  Sanders,  Racine.  Not  calculating  for  this  last,  the 
State  has  furnished,  and  has  organizing,  20,973,  or  adding  for 
the  1st,  in  the  three  months  service,  21,783  men. 

The  incomplete  regiments  are  being  rapidly  filled,  and  when 
filled,  as  they  shortly  will  be,  to  the  average  number  with  which 
our  regiments  have  left  the  State,  and  adding  the  19th  infantry, 
of  which  no  estimate  has  been  included  above,  the  number  of 
volunteers  from  "Wisconsin  in  the  United  States  service  will  be 
full  24,800. 

[951 


GOVERNOR   HARVEY  [l862~ 

No  State  has  furnished  better  material  for  soldiers  than  Wis 
consin.  Her  regiments  have  been  filled  by  nien  who  worthily 
represent  the  intelligence  and  loyalty  of  her  people.  Universal 
testimony  agrees  that  no  troops  have  taken  the  field  better  pro 
vided  in  all  respects;  and  it  is  believed  that  by  no  other  State 
in  the  union  has  a  like  service  been  performed  at  a  less  expense. 

The  expenses  of  recruiting,  organizing,  uniforming,  paying 
and  forwarding  these  regiments,  thus  far,  have  been — 

In  Quartermaster  General's  Department $1,189,120  20 

In  Commissary  General's  Department „ 167,107  40 

In  Paymaster  General's  Department,  on  pay  rolls  of  the 

regiments 213,827  02 


$1,570,054  62 

Add  for  war  expenses  audited  by  Secretary  of  State 55,724  80 

Expended  by  the  Governor 30, 890  47 


Total  war  expenses $1,656,659  98 

This  includes  the  liabilities  of  the  Quartermaster  General's 
office  for  uniforms,  and  everything  furnished,  or  to  be  furnished, 
by  that  department,  for  eighteen  regiments  of  infantry,  one  of 
artillery,  and  one  of  cavalry,  with  all  articles  supplied  the  1st 
and  3d  cavalry. 

As  nearly  as  can  now  be  ascertained,  the  liabilities  of  the 
State  stand  as  follows: 

Total  expenses,  as  above $1,656,659  98 

Payments  by  State  Paymaster  General $820,526  43 

Payments   of   acc'ts   audited   by    Secretary   of 

State 55,724  80 

Payments  by  the  Governor 30, 890  47 

Payments  by  U.  S.  Paymaster,  direct  on  Quarter 
master's  contracts , 387,765  78 

Do.  do.  on  Commissary's  bills 18,743  78 

1,313,651  2« 


Present  liabilities  of  the  State $343,008  63 

[96] 


i862]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

Some  further  allowance — not,  as  is  believed,  to  exceed  $30,000 
— should  be  made  for  salaries  due  to  members  of  the  Governor's 
military  staff,  the  Assistant  Surgeons  sent  by  the  State  with  her 
regiments,  and  wages  due  to  agents  and  employees  in  one  serv 
ice  or  another  connected  with  our  military  operations. 

The  General  Government  having  assumed  all  further  responsi 
bility  of  providing  for  our  volunteers,  within  as  without  the 
State,  the  services  of  many  persons  now  in  the  employ  of  the 
State  can  be  dispensed  with.  Provision  should  at  once  be  made 
of  means  to  settle  their  claims  of  wages  or  salaries. 

Provision  should  also  be  made  to  continue  the  payment  of  the 
aid  pledged  by  chapter  8  of  the  acts  of  the  special  session,  to 
families  of  volunteers;  and  all  volunteers  from  the  State  should 
be  held  in  equal  regard,  in  whatever  branch  of  the  service  they 
may  have  enlisted.  A  special  tax  or  temporary  loan  may  be 
necessary.  Action  on  this  matter  should  be  taken  at  once,  or 
much  complaint  and  suffering  may  be  the  result.  The  statute 
also  requires  amending  in  details,  to  the  end  that  the  State  be 
better  protected  against  abuse  of  its  provisions.  Especially 
should  heavy  penalties  be  enacted  against  justices  making  false 
certificates.65 

GOVERNMENT  TAX 

By  an  act  of  Congress,  passed  on  the  5th  day  of  August  last,  a 
direct  tax  of  twenty  millions  of  dollars  is  annually  laid  upon 
the  United  States.  To  the  State  of  Wisconsin  there  is  appor 
tioned  of  said  tax  the  sum  of  $519,688.67;  which  is  00.3312  upon 
the  dollar  of  the  present  valuation  of  real  property  in  the  State. 
The  law  of  Congress  further  provides  that  the  tax  "  shall  be 
assessed  and  laid  on  the  value  of  all  land  and  lots  of  ground, 
with  their  improvements  and  dwellings."  It  follows  that,  if 


*5Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  chaps,  112,  374,  established  safeguards  In 
the  administration  of  the  Volunteer  Aid  Law.  No  provision  was  made 
for  procuring  the  necessary  funds,  however,  and  a  great  deal  of  suffer 
ing  ensued.  See  Governor  Harvey's  message,  Feb.  18,  1862,  post. — ED. 

7  '       [97] 


GOVERNOR   HARVEY  [l862~ 

this  tax  is  to  be  collected  by  the  United  States,  personal  property 
will  escape  altogether.  It  is  provided  that  any  state  may  assume 
to  assess  and  pay  its  quota  in  its  own  way  and  manner,  and  a 
deduction  of  fifteen  per  centum  will  be  made  for  expenses  of 
assessment  and  collection.  The  advantages  to  be  derived  by  the 
State  from  assuming  and  paying  its  quota  of  this  tax  are,  the 
large  per  centage  of  discount  offered,  and  the  opportunity  of 
providing  that  all  the  property  of  the  State  bear  its  just  pro 
portion  of  the  burden.  In  a  new  state  like  ours,  however,  so 
large  a  portion  of  taxes  remain  unpaid  upon  delinquent  lands, 
that  the  State  can  scarcely  afford  to  pay  this  whole  tax  in  m'oney, 
and  hold  these  lands  for  redemption. 

I  would  recommend  that  the  Governor  be  authorized  to  liqui 
date  the  tax  by  offset  of  claims  of  the  State  against  the  United 
States,  to  the  amount  for  which  allowance  can  be  obtained  on 
such  claims,  beyond  provision  for  existing  liabilities  against  the 
State.  Otherwise,  that  the  tax  be  left  for  collection  by  the 
United  States.66 

SOLDIERS'  ALLOTMENTS  OF  PAY 

A  law  has  recently  been  passed  by  Congress,  and  approved 
by  the  President,  providing  for  the  appointment,  by  the  Presi 
dent,  of  not  exceeding  three  persons  for  each  State  having  vol 
unteers  in  the  United  States  service,  who  shall  be  authorized  by 
their  commissions,  to  visit  the  regiments  from  their  respective 
States,  and  receive  from  the  volunteers,  "from  time  to  time 
their  respective  allotments  of  pay  to  their  families  or  friends." 
The  second  section  of  said  act  provides  "that  such  commission 
ers  shall  receive  no  pay  or  emolument  whatever,  from  the  Treas 
ury  of  the  United  States."  The  propriety  of  providing  that 
appointments  of  so  important  a  character,  and  of  such  a  nature, 


ee  The  necessary  authority  was  given  to  the  Governor,  and  the  tax, 
amounting  originally  to  $519,688.66 — but  reduced  fifteen  percent  on 
account  of  having  the  vouchers  in  at  the  proper  time — was  liquidated 
by  offset  of  the  claims  of  the  State  against  the  United  States. — ED. 

[98] 


l862l  ANNUAL   MESSAGE 

shall  be  made  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  while  they 
are  to  be  paid  by  the  States  for  their  services,  may  justly  be 
questioned.  Of  the  necessity  of  some  provision,  under  proper 
safeguards,  by  which  the  volunteers  may  be  enabled,  at 
stated  times,  to  send  their  earnings  to  their  families,  there  can 
be  no  question ;  and  means  should  be  set  aside  for  the  expenses 
of  such  persons  as  may  be  commissioned  to  attend  to  this  im 
portant  duty.67 


OF  TAXATION 


Apprehensions  have  been  expressed  of  the  effect  upon  public 
sentiment,  regarding  the  administration  and  the  war,  of  an  at 
tempt  to  collect  the  real  estate  and  income  taxes  —  together 
amounting  to  possibly  $700,000  —  for  which  the  General  Govern 
ment,  in  its  need,  calls  upon  this  State.  All  such  apprehensions 
are  unjust.  The  loyal  people  of  Wisconsin  do  not  value  prop 
erty,  or  even  life  itself,  weighed  against  the  existence  of  the 
Government  which  has  so  long  blessed  and  protected  them  in 
both.  It  may  serve  a  good  purpose,  however,  to  show  that  the 
calls  of  Government  will  not  add  twenty-five  per  cent,  to  our 
accustomed  burdens  of  taxation.  It  is  surely  wise  and  prudent 
to  examine  all  the  ordinary  courses  of  expense  for  opportuni 
ties  to  save  the  means  of  meeting  this  levy  of  a  PATRIOTIC  TAX.68 


67  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  chap.  190,  provided  that  the  allotment  com 
missioners   appointed   by  the  President   should   perform  such  duties, 
not  inconsistent  with  duties  imposed  on  them  by  the  act  of  Congress, 
as   the  Governor  might  direct,   for  which  they  should   each  receive 
from  the  State  $1000  per  annum;  also  that  the  State  Treasurer  should 
receive  and  turn  over  to'  the  families  of  volunteers  such  allotments  as 
they  might  send  for  that  purpose. — ED. 

68  Here  follow  recommendations  for  retrenchment. — ED. 

[99] 


GOVERNOR  HARVEY 


MEASURES    OF    HOME    POLICY 

******** 

A  memorial  should  be  promptly  presented  to  Congress  from 
this  Legislature,  asking  the  establishment  of  a  United  States 
Armory,  Arsenal  and  Naval  depot  within  this  State.09  The 
city  of  Milwaukee  possesses  advantages  in  a  capacious  harbor; 
safety  of  locations  for  works,  at  points  still  touched  by  navigable 
waters;  waterpower,  and  cheapness  of  material  for  building 
ships  or  manufacturing  arms,  superior  to  any  other  point  on  the 
lakes;  while  her  facilities  for  distribution  by  lake  and  railroads 
are  surpassed  by  none.  If  a  location  for  the  Armory  back  from 
the  shore  should  be  preferred,  the  line  of  Fox  river  presents  a 
succession  of  waterpowers,  where  abundant  power  and  any  de 
sired  quantity  of  lands  are  offered  the  Government  free  of  cost. 
The  best  iron  ore  in  the  world  can  be  got  from  Lake  Superior — 
wood  for  charcoal  and  timber  for  all  purposes,  are  at  hand  in 
abundance,  while  river  communication  leads  to  the  lake,  and 
railroad  connections  unite  with  the  whole  railroad  system  of  the 
Northwest. 


CONCLUSION 

I  have  deemed  it  my  duty  to  thus  hold  your  attention  over  the 
dull  details  of  our  State  affairs,  from  the  conviction  that,  having 
lavished  our  means  in  preparation,  it  becomes  us  to  try  and  hus 
band  them  as  well,  the  better  to  enable  us  to  meet  and  crush 
the  greatest,  and,  before  God,  I  believe,  the  most  causeless  and 
wicked  rebellion  the  world  has  ever  seen. 

An  Interest,  whose  boast  it  is  that  it  has  always  controlled  the 
government,  is  arrayed  in  arms  to  destroy  that  government,  be 
cause,  for  the  first  time  in  at  least  a  quarter  of  a  century,  it 


69  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  Memorial  no.  3,  prays  that  a  naval  depot  be 
located  at  Milwaukee,  and  that  a  national  armory  be  located  on  the 
lower  Fox  River. — ED. 

[100] 


1862]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

failed  to  dictate  the  incumbent  of  the  Presidency!  A  failure, 
too,  which  the  complainants  might  easily  have  prevented  by  mak 
ing  the  selection  of  their  candidate  among  northern  democratic 
statesmen.  The  rupture  of  the  democratic  party,  with  the  con 
sequent  easy  election  of  Mr.  Lincoln,  was  the  choice  and  deliber 
ate  act  of  those  who  pretend  to  find  in  that  election  excuse  for 
rebellion.  Mr.  Lincoln  and  the  republicans  acquired  with  the 
Presidency  no  power  to  work  injury  upon  southern  interests — 
Congress  and  the  Judiciary  being  both  against  them.  The  fac- 
tionists  withdrew  from  Congress,  as  if  to  invite  some  act  of 
hostile  legislation.  That  the  republicans  and  Mr.  Lincoln  pur 
posed  no  act  of  injustice  to  southern  rights,  is  conclusively  shown 
by  the  fact  that,  left  a  clear  majority  in  Congress,  and  under 
the  most  aggravating  provocation,  no  such  act  was  passed. 

The  issue  of  force  was  accepted  by  perhaps  a  majority  in  the 
loyal  states,  almost  apologizing  for  attempting  a  defense  of  the 
Constitution  and  the  Union,  as  for  an  unwarranted  liberty. 
Habits  of  deference  to  Southern  complaining  are  so  strong  upon 
us  as  still  frequently  to  betray  our  officers  and  troops  into  acts 
of  servility  that  tingle  our  cheeks  with  the  blush  of  shame.  But 
the  incidents  of  the  past  few  months  have  been  marvelous  edu 
cators  of  public  sentiment.  There  has  come  an  almost  universal 
recognition  of  the  truth  of  history,  that  this  rebellion  is  no  sud 
den  outbreak,  excited  by  any  of  its  pretended  provocations;  but 
that  it  is  a  long  matured  and  carefully  prepared  conspiracy,  to 
be  met  and  mastered  by  the  government.  Surely  a  few  lessons 
more  will  teach  us  all,  if  indeed  we  be  not  already  taught,  to 
understand  what  treason  means — to  regard  these  rebels  with 
that  horrid  aversion  in  which  the  royalist  holds  the  regicide. 
They  are  the  attempted  regicides  of  the  best  government  under 
heaven,  and  every  apologist  for  their  crime,  or  defender  of  their 
cause,  among  us,  should  feel  the  hot  hiss  of  public  scorn  burn 
ing  a  brand  upon  him. 

The  contest  must  come  to  be  fought  on  the  principle  that  the 
protection  of  the  Union  alone  gives  sacredness  to  soil  or  institu 
tions — that  no  soil,  nor  person,  nor  any  species  of  property,  have 

[101] 


GOVERNOR  HARVEY  tl862- 

any  sacredness  or  claim  to  regard  outside  the  Constitution,  or 
in  rebellion  against  the  laws.  But  in  this  contest  who  shall  lead 
us?  Fellow  citizens,  that  choice  is  no  longer  left  us.  By  the 
deliberate  act  of  the  American  people  at  the  late  election,  all 
the  responsibilities  of  Government,  which  have  come  to  include 
the  management  of  this  war,  were  devolved  upon  those  now  in 
authority.  "Institutions  which  have  their  foundation  in  the 
popular  will,  can  have  no  security  except  in  the  firmness  and 
consistency  of  that  will. ' '  This  truth  indicates  our  present  duty- 
We  should  render  our  government  strong  through  voluntary 
subordination,  and  by  our  willing  support  of  its  policy.  In 
every  emergency,  the  Administration  should  be  made  to  feel  the 
strength  and  consistency  of  that  will  by  which  the  destiny  of  a 
great  nation  was  confided  to  its  direction.  I  do  not  deny  shar 
ing  largely  in  the  prevailing  popular  impatience ;  I  do  not  un 
derestimate  the  demoralizing  influence  of  delay  upon  armies  and 
public  opinion;  but  I  believe  this  administration  means  as  hon 
estly  by  the  country — as  honestly  by  the  sacred  cause  of 
liberty — as  any  faction  opposing  it.  It  possesses,  alone,  the 
power  to  act  for  us ;  and  we  must,  perforce,  stand  by  it,  or  take 
the  alternative  of  faction  and  ruin  to  our  cause.  History  teems 
with  examples  of  the  malign  influence  of  discontent,  and  the  un 
easy  am'bition  to  lead  in  times  like  these. 

The  result  of  this  contest  is  not  doubtful ;  and  the  end  will  he- 
worth  to  the  cause  of  Freedom  and  good  government  all  the  sac 
rifices  and  cost  of  the  war.  The  war  was  not  commenced — it 
may  never  be  prosecuted — to  destroy  the  institution  of  slavery. 
But  this  species  of  property  bases  the  claim  of  its  owners  to  be 
a  ruling  and  privileged  class.  Slavery  is  moreover  the  interest 
which  the  plotters  for  a  Southern  Monarchy  have  played  upon 
to  alarm  and  unite  their  section,  until  that  whole  people  have 
gone  mad  upon  it.  It  obtrudes  in  the  way  of  every  effort  to 
restore  the  supremacy  of  the  laws,  and  bring  peace  to  the 
country — it  cannot  be  shielded  from  the  blows  of  battle.  Con 
servatism  or  policies  cannot  save  it  now  from  the  doom  which 
awaits  it.  Whether  it  finds  its  fate  in  the  struggle,  or  dies  ling- 

[102] 


1862]  VISITING  THE  TROOPS 

eringly  of  its  wounds,  is  yet  in  the  order  of  Providence,  and  not 
to  be  directed  by  our  impatience. 

Trusting  that  the  views  I  have  presented  will  not  be  without 
their  influence  upon  your  action — that  your  deliberations  and 
determinations  will  all  be  marked  by  the  absence  of  any  exhibi 
tion  of  partisan  feeling,  and  by  patriotic  devotion  to  the  Union, 
I  conclude  with  proffering  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the 
Executive  in  every  measure  of  beneficent  legislation. 

Louis  P.  HARVEY. 

MADISON,  January  10,  1862. 


HEALTH  OF  THE  REGIMENTS 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  February  7,  1862. 
Hon.  Edward  Salomon,  President  of  the  Senate: 

SIR — On  the  17th  of  December  last,  His  Excellency,  Alexander 
W.  Randall,  then  Governor  of  this  State,  commissioned  C.  L. 
Sholes,  Esq.,  of  Milwaukee,  as  his  agent  to  visit  the  several  regi 
ments  from  this  State  in  or  near  the  line  of  operations  on  the 
Potomac,  and  to  obtain  and  report,  for  the  use  of  the  Executive 
and  the  Legislature,  information  of  the  health  of  the  regiments ; 
the  condition  of  the  Government  Hospitals,  and  the  degree  of 
comfort  supplied  to  the  sick  therein,  etc.,  etc. 

A  report  has  been  submitted  to  me  by  Mr.  Sholes,  the  agent 
above  named,  which,  together  with  the  letter  commissioning  him 
as  such  agent,  is  herewith  submitted  for  the  consideration  of 
the  Legislature.70 

Very  respectfully, 

L.  P.  HARVEY. 


TO  See  Wis.  Sen.  Jour.,  1862,  i,  p.  197  ft—  ED. 


103 


GOVERNOR  HARVEY 


CLAIMANTS  OF  EXTRA  PAY 

A  source  of  much  complaint  among  the  troops  at  the  front 
and  their  families  at  home,  is  touched  upon  in  the  following 
Special  Message  from  the  Governor,  and  its  accompanying  let 
ters: 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 
MADISON,  February  18th,  1862. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

Over  thirty-one  hundred  names  now  stand  on  the  books  of 
the  Secretary  of  State,  claimants  of  the  extra  pay  provided  by 
chapter  8  of  the  laws  of  the  extra  session,  to  volunteers  having 
families  dependent  upon  them  for  support.71  By  letter  from  the 
State  Treasurer,  herewith  transmitted,  it  appears  that  no  pay 
ments  have  been  made  to  such  claimants  since  the  last  of  Janu 
ary,  and  it  is  well  known  that  immediately  prior  to  that  date, 
payment  had  been  resumed  but  a  few  days,  after  a  long  suspen 
sion.  The  statement  of  the  State  Treasurer  is  that  from  seven 
to  eight  hundred  unpaid  warrants  have  accumulated  against 
the  treasury,  which  each  call  for  from  one  to  five  months '  pay  due 
from  the  State. 

It  is  impossible  to  convey  to  the  Legislature  any  adequate 
conception  of  the  complaint  and  suffering  arising  from  this  con 
dition  of  things.  I  herewith  transmit,  for  the  information  of 
the  Legislature,  copies  of  a  few  letters,  such  as  every  day  reach 
the  State  officers — samples  by  no  means  extreme,  however,  in 
expression  of  suffering  and  a  keen  sense  of  unjust  treatment  by 
the  State.  In  very  many  instances,  the  five  dollars  per  mon-'1' 
pledged  by  the  State,  is  the  sole  dependence  of  a  helpless  family 
against  cold  and  hunger. 

The  over  thirty-one  hundred  claimants,  already  entered  on 
the  Secretary's  books,  are  all  from  the  first  thirteen  regiments. 
The  nine  thousand  men  now  in  camp  in  this  State,  belonging 


See  ante,  p.  74,  note  55. — ED. 

[104] 


SOLDIERS  CLAIMS 

to  the  several  regiments  of  infantry  and  cavalry  and  batteries 
of  artillery,  include  from  two  to  three  thousand  heads  of  de 
pendent  families.  These  men  have  been  enlisted  from  one  to 
five  months,  have  received  no  pay  from  the  government,  and  not 
one  dollar  from  the  State.  The  letters  of  complaint  which  are 
daily  received  by  these  men  from  their  homes,  are  literally 
heart-rending.  One  officer  writes,  "the  letters  which  my  men 
daily  compel  me  to  read,  give  me  a  new  conception  of  how 
much  anger  and  agony  can  be  expressed  on  paper." 

I  have  peremptory  and  repeated  orders  to  forward  at  once 
the  14th,  15th,  and  16th  regiments  to  St.  Louis.  The  officers 
and  men,  I  doubt  not,  will  promptly  obey  orders  to  leave,  but 
they  will  not  go  with  the  heart  Wisconsin  volunteers  should 
foear  to  the  field.  Money  cannot  compensate  the  loss  of  cour 
age,  and  hope  and  pride  in  their  State,  under  which  they  will 
reluctantly  lengthen  the  distance  between  themselves  and  their 
suffering  households. 

It  would  seem  there  should  be  no  longer  delay  by  the  Legis 
lature  in  providing  the  means  to  redeem  the  faith  of  the  State, 
pledged  to  the  relief  of  the  families  of  her  citizen  soldiers.  It 
is  submitted  that  a  great  and  unnecessary  hardship  is  imposed 
upon  your  State  officers  by  compelling  them  to  stand  daily  in 
the  reach  of  so  much  complaining,  with  no  duty  except  to 
apologize  for  delay  of  your  action. 

Measures  have  for  some  time  been  pending  in  the  Legislature 
which,  in  my  judgment,  are  adequate  for  present  relief.  The 
•enactment  of  the  bill  providing  for  the  investment  of  the  prin 
cipal  of  the  school  fund  in  the  treasury,  in  State  bonds,  would 
at  once  provide  the  means  for  continuing  payments  from  one 
to  two  months.  The  decision  of  the  Legislature  upon  the  bank 
bill  would  settle  present  uncertainty  regarding  the  sale  of  over 
two  hundred  thousand  dollars  of  war  bonds  yet  remaining  un 
sold. 

Besides  these  measures,  the  increase  in  revenue  from  rail 
road  license  provided  by  the  act  of  the  present  Legislature ;  and 
the  transfer  of  the  accumulated  proceeds  of  the  one-tenth  of  a 

[105] 


GOVERNOR   HARVEY  [1862- 

mill  (town  library)  tax  to  the  general  fund,  places  that  fund 
in  condition  to  loan  the  war  fund  from  fifty  to  seventy-five 
thousand  dollars  without  serious  embarrassment.  Then,  a  re- 
loan  of  the  $50,000  provided  to  meet  the  State  bonds  maturing 
April  1st,  is  doubtless  practicable  and  should  be  made,  if  at 
all,  for  the  relief  of  the  war  fund.72 

If  the  measures  above  suggested  do  not  meet  the  approval  of 
the  Legislature,  permit  me  to  hope  that  their  wisdom  will, 
within  the  present  week,  devise  and  enact  some  effective  meanst 
of  relief. 

L.  P.  HARVEY. 


OFFICE  OF  STATE  TREASURER, 

MADISON,  February  18,  186JL 
To  his  Excellency,  Gov.  L.  P.  Harvey, 

SIR  : — There  cannot  be  less  than  some  seven  or  eight  hun 
dred  applications  for  extra  pay  to  the  families  of  volunteers 
now  on  file  in  this  office  and  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of 
State.  No  payments  have  been  made  to  the  families  of  volun 
teers  since  the  last  of  January,  the  war  fund  has  been  ex 
hausted  since  that  time.  These  applications  have  been  accumu 
lating  during  the  past  three  weeks,  no  reply  having  been  made 
to  the  applicants,  as  we  have  been  daily  expecting  action  on  the 
part  of  the  Legislature  that  would  replenish  the  fund,  and  thus 
enable  us  to  remit  the  several  sums  due.  It  will  not  answer 
to  let  these  matters  remain  as  they  now  are  much  longer.  The 
mails  are  coming  loaded  down  with  letters  setting  forth  the 
wants  and  sufferings  of  the  families  of  volunteers,  and  inquir 
ing  why  the  money  is  not  sent,  and  when  it  may  be  expected. 
Unless  speedy  provision  is  made  to  replenish  the  war  fund,  these 


72Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  chap.  229,  passed  by  the  Legislature  on 
April  5,  1862,  in  response  to  the  Governor's  recommendation,  provided 
for  a  temporary  loan  from  the  general  fund  of  $50,000  to  be  used  in 
the  war  fund  for  the  relief  of  families  of  volunteers. — ED. 

[106] 


I8621  SOLDIERS'  CLAIMS 

letters  must  all  be  answered.     And  what  answer  can  I  make  to 
them? 

I  hand  you  copies  of  several  letters  received,  which  may  be 
regarded  as  fair  samples  of  scores,  if  not  hundreds,  of  others 
now  on  file.  Very  respectfully,  your  ob't.  servant, 

SAM'L  D.  HASTINGS, 
State  Treasurer. 


February  11,  1862. 

DEAR  SIR — I  now  take  my  pen  in  hand  to  inform  you  that 
my  blank  has  been  sent  in,  but  I  have  not  had  any  answer  from 
it  yet.  But  I  think  if  you  knew  my  state,  you  would  send  m'e 
the  money,  or  try  to  help  me  in  some  way.  I  will  tell  you: 
first,  I  have  one  babe  just  three  months  old,  and  no  one  to  help 
me  do  anything,  and  out  of  wood ;  no  shoes  to  my  feet,  and  but 
very  little  to  eat.  Is  not  this  hard,  to  have  my  husband  taken 
away  from  me,  and  not  one  cent  to  help  myself  with?  Must 
this  be  so  ?  0  this  is  hard  times !  Mr.  Shaw  promised  me  that 
he  would  see  that  I  had  my  pay,  but  you  see  how  much  he  cares 
for  me.  He  has  got  my  husband  away  from  me,  and  now  I 
may  starve,  for  all  he  cares  about  it.  So,  if  you  can't  send  me 
my  money,  I  wish  you  would  send  me  word  when  you  think  I 
can  get  it,  and  I  will  try  to  pay  the  postage. 

Now,  don 't  read  this  and  think  she  can  wait ;  but  try  to  help 
me.  I  would  not  have  sent  yet,  if  I  could  get  any  work,  but 
I  cannot  now.  Please  do  the  best  you  can  for  me,  and  oblige 

Yours  truly, 

MRS.  CLARA  BOWEN. 

GENESEE,  WATJKESHA  Co.,  Wis. 


WEST  BEND,  February  14,  1862. 
Hon.  James  T.  Leivis,  Secretary  of  State,  Madison: 

SIR — On  the  17th  day  of  January  I  wrote  you  a  letter,  en 
closing  the  necesary  papers  for  drawing  $20  out  of  the  Military 
Relief  Fund  for  my  sister-in-law — Mary  J.  Trakat.  Her  hus- 


GOVERNOR   HARVEY  tl862~ 

band,  Julius  Trakat,  is  enlisted  and  mustered  into  United  States 
service,  in  Company  C,  9th  Regiment  on  Sept.  26th,  1861;  and 
as  his  wife  is  in  great  want  of  some  necessities  of  life  and  has 
no  supporter,  you  would  greatly  oblige  her  by  sending  the  $20 
as  soon  as  convenient.  Very  respectfully,  yours,  etc., 

J.  H.  TRAKAT. 


OXFORD,  February  14,  1862. 
Hon.  J.  T.  Lewis: — 

SIB — I  write  to  enquire  if  the  affidavit  I  sent  you  certifying 
that  Andrew  Miller  is  the  identical  person  having  charge  of  the 
family  dependent  on  George  Bell  for  support  is  sufficient.  The 
money  has  not  yet  reached  here,  and  the  children  are  very  much 
in  want  of  clothing.  All  three  of  them  are  under  nine  years  of 
age,  and  have  nothing  to  help  them.  Their  father  writes  that 
the  10th  Regiment  have  received  no  pay  since  they  left  the  State, 
making  it  impossible  for  him  to  send  them  any  money. 

I  am  knowing  to  the  fact  that  Andrew  Miller  who  signed  the 
order  and  receipt  is  the  person  having  charge  of  George  Bell's 
family.  The  order  calls  for  three  months'  pay.  Please  attend 
to  it  as  soon  as  possible. 

THOS.  BLACK. 


BELVIDERE,  Wis.,  Jan.  29,  1862. 
To  the  Secretary  of  State,  Madison,  Wis. 

SIR — I  respectfully  ask  you  to  give  prompt  attention  to  the 
enclosed  certificate  for  aid  to  volunteers  in  my  favor.  I  am 
very  much  in  want  of  the  money,  having  a  large  family  to  sup 
port.  Very  respectfully  yours, 

SOPHIE  BREHL. 
Post  office  address,  Alma,  Buffalo  Co.,  Wis. 


[108 


I8621  SOLDIERS'  CLAIMS 

CAMP  WOOD,  KY.,  Feb'y  6th,  1862. 
To 

SIR — My  wife,  at  Milwaukee,  lias  never  received  one  cent  of 
pay  from  the  State.  Now,  sir,  I  demand  that  she  should  have 
what  the  laws  of  my  State  have  so  generously  promised. 

I  was  enlisted  in  October  last  at  Milwaukee,  in  Co.  "B,"  1st 
Wis.  Infantry.  Now,  sir,  my  wife  is  very  needy,  and  I  am  un 
able  to  send  her  a  cent,  as  our  Regiment  has  not  received  one 
since  Oct.  8.  The  requisite  papers  were  sent  to  your  office  at 
the  time  of  our  departure  from  the  State,  certifying  to  the  fact 
of  my  marriage.  Still,  by  some  cause,  my  wife  has  been  left  to 
starve,  while  I,  like  a  fool,  trusted  to  the  honor  of  my  State. 
Please  do  not  let  the  case  be  longer  aggravated.  Her  address  is 
Mrs.  Mary  Shanran,  Milwaukee  Co.,  Greenfield  P.  0. 


CLAIMS  AGAINST  THE  UNITED  STATES 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  3d,  1862. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

I  have  received  information  from  the  Paymaster  General, 
now  at  Washington,  that  a  settlement  of  that  part  of  the  claim 
of  the  State  against  the  United  States  for  military  expenditures 
for  the  first  six  regiments,  can  be  immediately  adjusted,  and  the 
sum  found  due  the  State  paid  over  on  the  original  vouchers, 
now  in  the  office"  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  which  will  be  re 
quired  to  effect  the  settlement.  The  other  claims  of  the  State 
can  be  adjusted  from  time  to  time  only  upon  like  vouchers.  I 
would  respectfully  recommend  the  passage  of  an  act  authorizing 
the  transfer  of  the  original  vouchers  necessary  for  that  purpose. 
A  draft  of  a  bill  to  effect  that  object  is  herewith  submitted.73 


73  This  bill  became  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  chap.  191. — ED. 

L.  P.  HARVEY. 

[109] 


GOVERNOR  HARVEY 


[1862- 


A  BILL  AUTHORIZING  THE  TRANSFER  OF  VOUCHERS  FOR  MILITARY  EX 
PENDITURES. 

The  People  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  represented  in  Senate  and  As 
sembly,  do  enact  as  follows: 

Section  1.  The  Secretary  of  State  is  hereby  authorized  to  deliver  to 
the  Governor,  such  of  the  original  vouchers  for  military  expenditures 
made  by  the  State,  as  may  be  necessary,  for  the  settlement  and  adjust 
ment  of  the  claims  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  against  the  United  States. 
Provided,  that  before  any  of  said  vouchers  shall  be  delivered  under  the 
provisions  of  this  act,  certified^copies  thereof  shall  be  made  by  the  Sec 
retary  of  State  and  filed  in  his  office,  and  such  certified  copies  shall  be 
received  in  all  courts  and  places  in  the  same  manner  and  with  the 
same  effect  as  the  original  documents. 

Sec.  2.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its 
passage  and  publication. 


A  VETO  MESSAGE 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  8,  1862. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

An  act  entitled  "an  act  authorizing  the  borrowing  of  money 
on  the  faith  and  credit  of  the  State,  to  pay  certain  bonds  here 
tofore  issued/'  has  been  presented  to  me  for  approval. 

In  discussing  the  provisions  of  this  act  it  will  be  necessary  to 
allude  briefly  to  the  former  legislation  on  this  subject.  In  the 
years  1852  and  1853  the  legislature,  to  meet  extraordinary  ex 
penditures  of  those  years,  authorized  the  borrowing  of  money, 
in  the  aggregate  amounting  to  one  hundred  thousand  dollars, 
on  the  faith  and  credit  of  the  State.  Under  that  authority  the 
money  was  borrowed  and  bonds  for  that  amount  issued.  Upon 
the  maturing  of  the  bonds  of  1852  in  the  year  1857,  the  legis 
lature  at  its  session  of  that  year,  authorized  a  loan  of  fifty 
thousand  dollars  to  pay  them,  and  the  bonds  of  1852  were  there 
upon  taken  up  and  replaced  by  others  issued  in  1857.  In  1858 

[no] 


i862]  STATE  DEBTS 

the  bonds  of  1853  became  due  and  were  paid  and  cancelled,  and 
a  new  loan  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  for  extraordinary  expendi 
tures  then  about  to  be  incurred,  authorized — the  loan  effected 
and  bonds  to  that  amount  issued.  Thus  the  State  debt  now 
stands  at  the  full  aggregate  permitted  by  section  6,  article  8  of 
the  constitution.  In  pursuance  of  the  provisions  of  the  act  of 
1857,  authorizing  the  loan  of  that  year,  a  tax  was  levied  and 
collected  during  the  last  year,  to  pay  the  amount  of  money  bor 
rowed  under  that  act. 

The  act  before  me  provides  that  "for  the  purpose  of  paying 
the  fifty  thousand  dollars  of  State  bonds,  which  fall  due  on  the 
first  day  of  April,  1862,  a  loan  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  is  here 
by  authorized,  and  required  to  be  made  on  the  faith  and  credit 
of  the  State."  The  power  of  the  State  to  contract  debts  is 
limited  by  the  Constitution  to  the  following  cases : 

1st.  Debts  incurred  for  ordinary  expenditures  in  the  admin 
istration  of  the  government,  when  a  deficiency  has  occurred  in 
the  income  of  the  current  year;  these  can  never  become  funded 
or  permanent  debts,  but  must  be  provided  for  and  paid  out  of 
taxes  to  be  levied  for  that  purpose  in  the  ensuing  year.  Con 
stitution,  sec.  5,  art.  8. 

2d.  Debts  for  extraordinary  expenditures,  to  an  amount  not 
exceeding  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Every  such  expendi 
ture  must  be  authorized  by  law,  for  some  purpose  or  purposes  to 
be  distinctly  specified  therein ;  every  such  law  must  provide  for 
the  levying  an  annual  tax  sufficient  to  pay  the  annual  interest  of 
such  debt  and  the  principal  within  five  years  from  the  passage 
of  the  law  and  must  specially  appropriate  the  proceeds  of  such 
taxes  to  the  payment  of  such  principal  and  interest;  and  such, 
appropriation  must  not  be  repealed,  nor  the  taxes  postponed  or 
diminished,  until  the  principal  and  interest  shall  have  been 
wholly  paid.  Constitution,  art.  8,  sec.  6. 

3d.  Debts  for  money  borrowed  to  repel  invasion,  suppress 
insurrection  and  defend  the  State  in  time  of  war.  Constitution, 
art.  8,  sec.  1. 

The  loan  proposed  by  this  act  is  obviously  intended  to  be  made 

[in] 


GOVERNOR   HARVEY 

under  the  power  conferred  by  section  6  of  article  8,  above 
alluded  to;  and  here  I  am  called  upon  to  enquire — Is  the  loan 
required,  or  rather  is  the  purpose  specified  in  the  act  for  which 
the  loan  is  required,  an  extraordinary  expenditure,  within  the 
meaning  of  that  section?  The  convention  in  framing  and  the 
people  in  adopting  the  Constitution,  certainly  intended  that 
every  loan  made  to  meet  extraordinary  expenditures,  under 
section  6,  should  be  repaid  within  five  years  from  its  inception, 
and  to  make  such  payment  sure,  it  is  provided  that  both  prin 
cipal  and  interest  shall  be  raised  by  taxation,  and  lest  the  Legis 
lature  shall  attempt  to  avoid  the  payment  by  repeal  or  amend 
ment  of  the  law  imposing  such  taxation,  its  repeal,  postpone 
ment,  or  diminution  is  prohibited  until  the  debt  is  fully  paid.  A 
failure  to  repay  the  loan  from  the  avails  of  taxes  levied,  was 
neither  contemplated  or  provided  for.  It  seems  clear,  therefore, 
that  while  intending  that  the  debt  incurred  by  the  loan  should  be 
certainly  liquidated  at  its  maturity,  the  Constitution  excludes 
the  idea  that  such  debt  could  ever  become  an  extraordinary  ex 
penditure  within  the  meaning  of  the  provision  alluded  to ;  and 
this  objection  derives  additional  force  from  the  fact  that  a  tax 
has  already  been  actually  levied  and  collected  to  pay  the  bonds 
mentioned  in  the  act  in  question. 

Another  objection  occurs  to  this  method  of  paying  the  bonds 
of  1857.  The  aggregate  debt  of  the  State  for  "extraordinary 
expenditures,"  as  has  already  been  adverted  to,  reaches  the  full 
limits  prescribed  by  the  constitution,  yet  if  any  portion  of  it  is 
to  be  paid  by  money  raised  on  the  loan  contemplated  by  this 
act,  the  bonds  authorized  by  the  act  must  be  first  issued  and  dis 
posed  of  and  the  means  realized.  This  cannot  be  done  under  the 
constitution.  The  bonds  for  the  purpose  cannot  be  constitution 
ally  issued  or  disposed  of,  while  the  former  loans  reach  the  limit 
of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars;  and  it  would  seem  equally 
clear  that  they  cannot  be  legally  negotiated,  after  the  former 
bonds  are  paid,  because  the  purpose  of  the  loan  will  have  been 
accomplished  by  their  payment  from  other  sources. 

Hitherto,  while  the  debt  of  the  State,  compared  with  its  pop- 

[112] 


HARVEY'S  DEATH 

ulation  and  resources,  has  been  so  inconsiderable,  and  its  bonds 
so  much  sought  for  home  investment,  the  provisions  of  the  acts 
authorizing  the  loans  have  attracted  but  little  attention;  al 
though  in  1858,  the  question  as  to  what  were  "  extraordinary- 
expenditures"  within  the  purview  of  the  constitution  was  con 
sidered,  and  one  of  the  objections  to  which  I  have  called  your 
attention,  obviated  in  the  act  of  that  year.  Now  that  the  bonded 
liabilities  of  the  State  are  so  greatly  increased,  a  due  regard  for 
the  credit  of  the  State  and  its  bonds,  requires  that  all  laws  pro 
viding  for  loans,  should  so  scrupulously  conform  to  the  funda 
mental  law,  that  np  legal  or  constitutional  objection  can  be 
reasonably  entertained. 

In  concluding  this  communication,  I  may  be  permitted  to  add 
that  there  are  existing  liabilities  of  the  State  for  extraordinary 
expenditures  during  the  current  year,  for  which  a  loan  may  be 
made,  so  as  to  obviate  the  objections  to  this  act.74  I  return  the 
act  to  the  Assembly  where  it  originated,  without  my  approval. 

L.  P.  HARVEY. 


DEATH  OF  THE  GOVERNOR 

The  following  entry  is  found  in  the  Executive  Register,  en 
closed  in  double  lines: 

April  21.  1862. 

Received  this  day  the  intelligence  of  the  DEATH,  by  drowning 
in  the  Tennessee  River,  at  Savannah,  of  HON.  LOUIS  p.  HARVEY, 
Governor  of  this  State. 

The  public  offices  closed,  the  bells  tolled,  and  half  hour  guns 
fired  from  12  M.,  till  Sunset. 


74  The  Governor's  suggestion  was  accepted  in  I&id,  chap.  226. — ED, 


[113] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON 


1862-1864.      Edward  Salomon 

Biographical  Sketch 

Edward  Salomon,  the  eighth  Governor  of  Wisconsin,  was 
born  at  Stroebeck,  near  Halberstadt,  Germany,  August  11,  1828, 
the  son  of  Christopher  and  Dorothea  (Klussmann)  Salomon. 
He  was  educated  at  Halberstadt  and  at  the  University  at  Ber 
lin,  which  latter  he  attended  in  1848-49. 

Coming  to  America  in  1849  he  settled  at  Manitowoc, 
Wisconsin.  His  brothers,  Charles  and  Frederick,  both  of 
whom  won  distinction  as  officers  in  the  American  Civil  War, 
had  preceded  him  by  a  brief  interval,  and  his  parents  followed 
in  1856.  While  in  Manitowoc  he  was  a  teacher,  county  surveyor, 
and  deputy  clerk  of  the  circuit  court. 

From  1852  to  1855  he  studied  law  in  Milwaukee,  and  on  the 
completion  of  his  preparation  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He 
rapidly  won  a  position  in  his  profession  and  was  one  of  the 
leaders  of  the  Milwaukee  bar  until  he  left  Wisconsin.  In  1858 
he  married  Elise  Nebel  cf  Milwaukee. 

Mr.  Salomon  became  a  regent  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin 
in  1861,  and  continued  on  the  board  to  the  close  of  his  residence 
in  the  State,  acting  as  its  president  for  several  years.  He  was 
a  steadfast  friend  of  the  institution,  and  to  his  energetic  work 
is  due  in  no  small  measure  its  survival  during  the  trying  financial 
period  of  the  Civil  War. 

On  coming  to  this  country,  Salomon  allied  himself  with  the 
Democratic  party;  but  he  broke  with  it  on  the  slavery  question 
and  joined  the  Republicans.  He  was  nominated  for  lieutenant- 
governor  in  1861  by  the  Republican  convention,  and  elected. 
Governor  Harvey's  tragic  death  in  April,  1862 — a  little  over 
three  months  after  his  inauguration — raised  Salomon  to  the  gov 
ernorship.  His  position  was  difficult,  for  he  had  become  Gov- 


Governor  Edward  Salomon 

From  the  portrait  in  Reed's  "Bench  and  Bar  of  Wisconsin' 
(Milwaukee,   1882),  p.    120 


1864] 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


ernor  by  accident,  not  by  election,  and  was  inexperienced  in 
public  affairs.  Moreover,  the  problems  of  the  war  became  in 
creasingly  involved.  The  hope  at  first  prevalent,  that  the  war 
would  end  in  a  few  months  had  vanished;  the  people  were  now 
appalled  and  disheartened  at  the  prospect  of  a  long  and  terrible 
struggle.  But  the  new  executive  soon  proved  himself  quite  equal 
to  the  duties  of  a  war  governor.  The  presidential  calls  for 
troops  were  following  one  another  with  startling  frequency. 
Drafts  were  ordered  to  supply  the  needed  number  of  soldiers. 
The  Governor  met  these  pressing  demands  with  persevering  en 
ergy  and  success.  The  draft  riots  in  two  of  the  counties  of 
Wisconsin  were  quelled  in  a  manner  that  showed  administrative 
tact  and  firmness  of  a  high  order. 

At  the  close  of  his  term,  Governor  Salomon  would  have  been 
glad  to  have  had  a  direct  nomination  and  re-election.  He  did 
not,  however,  take  steps  to  that  end  as  early  as  he  should.  His 
principle  of  appointing  as  officers  of  new  regiments  men  of 
military  experience  in  the  war,  instead  of  political  leaders  at 
home,  made  him  enemies.  He  was,  therefore,  defeated  in  the 
convention,  and  retired  to  private  life,  save  that  he  still  retained 
his  position  as  University  regent.  In  1868  he  was  brought  for 
ward  as  a  candidate  for  United  States  Senator,  but  this  attempt 
in  his  behalf  failed. 

Soon  after  this,  Salomon  left  Milwaukee  and  settled  in  New 
York,  where  he  continued  his  law  practice,  acting  also  as 
Prussian  consul,  and  becoming  an  expert  on  immigration  ques 
tions.  He  was  active  in  the  movement  which  overthrew  the 
Tweed  ring,  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  German  Legal 
Aid  Society,  an  organization  whose  object  is  to  protect  immi 
grants  and  the  poor  against  legal  chicanery. 

Soon  after  1880,  Mrs.  Salomon's  health  compelled  her  to  live 
in  Europe.  He  continued  his  practice  in  New  York,  but  spent 
a  part  of  each  year  with  her,  and  finally  in  1894  gave  up  his 
New  York  office  and  made  his  residence  at  Frankfurt-am-Main. 
Ten  years  later  his  wife  died,  and  he  himself  passed  away  on 
April  20,  1909. 


1 864]  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

ernor  by  accident,  not  by  election,  and  was  inexperienced  in 
public  affairs.  Moreover,  the  problems  of  the  war  became  in 
creasingly  involved.  The  hope  at  first  prevalent,  that  the  war 
would  end  in  a  few  months  had  vanished;  the  people  were  now 
appalled  and  disheartened  at  the  prospect  of  a  long  and  terrible 
struggle.  But  the  new  executive  soon  proved  himself  quite  equal 
to  the  duties  of  a  war  governor.  The  presidential  calls  for 
troops  were  following  one  another  with  startling  frequency. 
Drafts  were  ordered  to  supply  the  needed  number  of  soldiers. 
The  Governor  met  these  pressing  demands  with  persevering  en 
ergy  and  success.  The  draft  riots  in  two  of  the  counties  of 
Wisconsin  were  quelled  in  a  manner  that  showed  administrative 
tact  and  firmness  of  a  high  order. 

At  the  close  of  his  term,  Gove;rnor  Salomon  would  have  been 
glad  to  have  had  a  direct  nomination  and  re-election.  He  did 
not,  however,  take  steps  to  that  end  as  early  as  he  should.  His 
principle  of  appointing  as  officers  of  new  regiments  men  of 
military  experience  in  the  war,  instead  of  political  leaders  at 
home,  made  him  enemies.  He  was,  therefore,  defeated  in  the 
convention,  and  retired  to  private  life,  save  that  he  still  retained 
his  position  as  University  regent.  In  1868  he  was  brought  for 
ward  as  a  candidate  for  United  States  Senator,  but  this  attempt 
in  his  behalf  failed. 

Soon  after  this,  Salomon  left  Milwaukee  and  settled  in  New 
York,  where  he  continued  his  law  practice,  acting  also  as 
Prussian  consul,  and  becoming  an  expert  on  immigration  ques 
tions.  He  was  active  in  the  movement  which  overthrew  the 
Tweed  ring,  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  German  Legal 
Aid  Society,  an  organization  whose  object  is  to  protect  immi 
grants  and  the  poor  against  legal  chicanery. 

Soon  after  1880,  Mrs.  Salomon's  health  compelled  her  to  live 
in  Europe.  He  continued  his  practice  in  New  York,  but  spent 
a  part  of  each  yea,r  with  her,  and  finally  in  1894  gave  up  his 
New  York  office  and  made  his  residence  at  Frankfurt-am-Main. 
Ten  years  later  his  wife  died,  and  he  himself  passed  away  on 
April  20,  1909. 

[US] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l862~ 


1862.    In  Legislative  Recess 

His  Excellency,  Edward  Salomon,  Lieut.  Governor,  on  assum 
ing  the  exercise  of  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Executive  Office^ 
devolved  upon  him  by  the  Constitution,  issued  the  following75 

PROCLAMATION 

Whereas,  it  has  pleased  Almighty  God  to  take  from  the  people 
of  this  State  its  Chief  Magistrate,  the  Hon.  Louis  P.  Harvey, 
who,  on  the  19th  day  of  this  month,  lost  his  life  in  the  waters 
of  the  Tennessee  River,  while  executing  a  noble  and  self-chosen 
mission  of  philanthropy,  in  trying  to  recover  from  the  recent 
battle  field  in  Tennessee,  the  dead,  and  to  alleviate  the  suffer 
ings  of  the  wounded  soldiers  of  this  State,  therefore 

I,  Edward  Salomon,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  on 
assuming  the  duties  of  the  office  devolved  upon  me  by  that  sad 
event,  do  hereby  in  behalf  of  this  State,  tender  to  the  bereaved 
Widow  of  its  late  beloved  Chief  Magistrate,  the  deep  and  sor 
rowful  sympathy  and  condolence  of  its  people. 

And  I  do  hereby  recommend  that  for  thirty  days  from  this 
date,  all  public  offices,  court  houses  and  other  public  buildings 
be  clad  in  mourning,  and  that  during  that  time  the  people  of 
this  State  wear  the  usual  badges  of  mourning. 

And  I  do  further  appoint  Thursday,  the  first  day  of  May, 
A.  D.  1862,  as  a  day  of  public  rest  and  cessation  from  business, 
and  recommend  to  the  people  of  this  State,  that,  on  that  day, 
between  the  hours  of  10  and  12  o'clock  in  the  morning,  they  as 
semble  in  their  respective  towns,  cities  and  villages,  then  and 
there  to  commemorate  the  death  of  the  late  Governor,  the  Hon. 
Louis  P.  Harvey,  by  such  public  demonstrations  as  may  be  ap 
propriate  to  the  occasion. 


™  This    introductory    sentence    precedes    the    proclamation    in    the- 
Executive  Register. 


1 862] 


RECRUITING   RESUMED 


In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  signed  my  name,  and 
caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be  affixed. 
Done  at  Madison,  this  twenty-second  day  of  April,  A.  D.  1862. 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor. 


AN  APPEAL  FOR  VOLUNTEERS 

The  Governor  issued  the  following  Proclamation  on  May  24, 
1862: 

The  President  of  the  United  States  has  called  upon  our  State 
for  another  regiment  of  volunteers  to  join  the  army  of  the  na 
tion.  The  army  of  the  rebellious  States  nas  been  driven  back 
on  [sic]  many  points;  their  territory  is  surrounded;  they  have 
been  beaten  in  many  a  hard  fought  battle ;  yet,  while  the  end  of 
this  rebellion  seems  to  be  approaching,  under  the  firm  grasp 
of  our  government,  every  foot  of  ground  is  yet  being  contested 
as  our  forces  advance,  and  guerrilla  bands  swarm  over  portions 
of  the  recovered  territory.  Hence,  the  President  deems  it  neces 
sary  to  increase  the  army.  His  appeal  will  not  be  in  vain.  The 
more  speedily  the  additional  force  is  raised,  the  sooner  the  re 
bellion  will  be  suppressed. 

Men  of  Wisconsin!  I  appeal  to  you  to  come  forward  and 
rally  around  the  flag  of  our  country,  for  its  aid  and  support 
and  for  the  aid  and  support  of  our  brothers  now  in  arms  against 
the  fierce  and  desperate  battalions  of  the  enemy.  Wisconsin 
has  nobly  stood  by  the  old  flag;  24,000  of  her  sons  have  volun 
tarily  gone  forward  in  support  of  the  Union  and  the  Constitu 
tion.  They  call  for  aid,  through  the  President — let  them  not  be 
disappointed. 

Recruiting  officers  will  be  appointed  without  delay  for  the 
20th  Regiment  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  and  persons  desiring 
such  appointments,  or  information  concerning  recruiting  regu 
lations,  will  apply  to  this  Department. 

Major  General  Halleck  has  also  authority  from  the  War  De 
partment  to  fill  up  his  regiments.  Recruiting  officers  will  soon 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl862~ 

be  sent  here  from  the  "Wisconsin  regiments  in  the  army  of  the 
Mississippi,  and  an  opportunity  will  thus  be  given  to  join  regi 
ments  already  in  the  field.  I  trust  that  those  regiments  will  be 
speedily  filled,  and  their  thinned  ranks  be  completed  and  made 
effective.76 

Done  at  Madison  this  twenty-fourth  day  of  May,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-two. 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor  of  Wisconsin. 


76  Wisconsin's  war  governors  consistently  followed  the  policy  of 
filling  up  the  depleted  regiments  in  the  field  before  organizing  new 
regiments.  This  policy  gave  the  State  a  smaller  count  in  the  number 
of  regiments  furnished,  but  secured  the  obvious  advantages  of  ming 
ling  raw  recruits  with  veterans.  General  Sherman  says  of  this  policy 
in  his  Memoirs  (New  York,  1875),  ii,  p.  388:  "I  remember  that  Wis 
consin  kept  her  regiments  filled  with  recruits,  whereas  other  States  gen 
erally  filled  up  their  quotas  by  new  regiments ;  and  the  result  was  that 
we  estimated  a  Wisconsin  regiment  equal  to  an  ordinary  brigade." — ED. 


[iiS] 


1862]  DEATH   OF   HARVEY 


1862.    Fifteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  June  3-17 

On  June  3,  1862,  the  Governor  transmitted  to  the  Legislature 
till  in  its  Fifteenth  Annual  Session,  but  reconvened  on  this 
day — the  following 

SPECIAL  MESSAGE 

To  the  Hon.  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

Since  your  adjournment  in  April  last,  our  State  has  been 
thrown  into  deep  mourning  by  the  sad  and  sudden  death  of  its 
late  Chief  Magistrate,  the  Hon.  Louis  P.  Harvey,  who,  on  the 
19th  day  of  April,  1862,  lost  his  life  at  Savannah,  in  the  Ten 
nessee  River.  The  last  among  the  Governors  elected  by  the 
people  of  this  State,  he  is  the  first  who  has  been  removed  by 
death  from  our  midst.  The  circumstances  leading  to  and  sur 
rounding  the  tragic  and  melancholy  end  of  the  honored  and  la 
mented  deceased,  are  well  known  to  the  people,  and  are,  with 
his  memory,  treasured  up  in  their  hearts.  He  died  while  in 
the  exercise  of  the  highest  duties  of  philanthropy  and  humanity, 
that  a  noble  impulse  had  imposed  upon  him.  Wisconsin  and 
the  Union  have  not  lost  a  truer  son  in  this  great  struggle  against 
the  atrocious  rebellion  yet  in  arms  against  our  Government  and 
Constitution. 

"Without  intending  here  to  recapitulate  the  circumstances  of 
the  death  of  Gov.  Harvey,  which  are  so  well  known  and  remem 
bered  by  all,  I  feel  called  upon  to  mention  to  you  the  names 
and  acts  of  some  among  the  many  who  are  worthy  of  thanks 
and  consideration  for  their  exertions  in  .recovering  and  bring 
ing  back  to  our  State,  the  earthly  remains  of  our  late  Chief 
Magistrate.  But  before  these,  let  me  first  mention  the  name  of 
Dr.  R.  B.  Clark,  of  Racine,  who,  regardless  of  his  own  life, 
boldly,  though  vainly,  threw  himself  into  the  dangerous  stream 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON 

to  save  the  life  of  Gov.  Harvey.     Though  unsuccessful,  the  act 
was  not  the  less  noble. 

The  little  party  of  men  from  Wisconsin  who  had  voluntarily 
accompanied  the  Governor  on  his  mission  of  mercy,  remained 
for  many  days  after  the  sad  event,  endeavoring  to  recover  his 
remains.  Among  them  the  exertions  of  Hon.  Edward  H.  Brod- 
head  and  Surgeon  General  E.  B.  Wolcott  of  Milwaukee,  will  ba 
remembered.  Present  hopes  for  finding  the  body  being  ex 
tinguished,  they  offered  a  reward  of  $1,000  for  its  recovery,  an 
offer  which  I  had  no  hesitation  to  sanction  on  the  part  of  the 
State.  On  the  27th  day  of  April  the  body  was  accidentally 
discovered  and  rescued  from  the  water,  and  thanks  to  the  ex 
ertions  and  humanity  of  several  gentlemen,  it  was  subsequently 
recovered  from  the  rude  grave  into  which  it  had  been  placed, 
and  finally  brought  to  Cairo,  where  it  was  delivered  over  to 
the  Hon.  Perry  H.  Smith  of  Chicago.  The  persons  especially 
worthy  of  consideration  and  thanks  in  thus  recovering  the  body 
and  bringing  it  to  our  State,  are  Mr.  Singleton  of  Tennessee, 
Captain  "William  Walker  of  the  steamer  Lady  Pike,  Capt.  Fos- 
dick  of  the  29th  Indiana  Volunteers,  Hon.  Wm.  P.  Mellen  of 
Cincinnati,  and  Hon.  P.  H.  Smith  of  Chicago.  The  latter  went 
expressly  to  Tennessee  in  order  to  recover  the  body,  accompanied 
by  J.  S.  Harvey,  Esq.,  of  Chicago,  a  brother  of  the  deceased. 
While  at  Cairo  these  gentlemen  learned  of  the  finding  of  the 
body,  received  it  there,  had  it  properly  incased,  and  brought  it 
to  Chicago,  where  it  was  delivered  to  the  committee  charged 
with  receiving  and  escorting  it  home.  Mr.  P.  H.  Smith,  as  Vice 
President  of  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railway,  kindly 
and  disinterestedly,  the  next  day,  furnished  an  extra  train  to 
the  committee,  to  carry  home  the  remains.  Both  the  Chicago 
and  Northwestern  and  the  Milwaukee  and  Prairie  du  Chien 
Railway  Companies  sent  this  extra  train  free  of  charge  over 
their  roads.  The  Mayor,  authorities  and  citizens  of  Chicago 
also  highly  honored  the  remains  of  Gov.  Harvey  while  passing 
through  their  city,  and  Captain  Rourke  of  the  llth  Wisconsin 
Battery  tendered  and  furnished  an  imposing  escort  on  that  sol- 

[120] 


5862]  DEATH   OF   HARVEY 

emn  occasion.  I  herewith  transmit  to  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  of 
Mr.  Wm.  P.  Mellen,  Government  agent  for  the  establishment  of 
Post  Offices  and  Custom  Houses,  who  was  himself  active  in  the 
recovery  of  the  body,  and  who  kindly  furnished  me  reliable  in 
formation  concerning  the  attending  circumstances,  and  the  per 
sons  connected  therewith. 

No  one  seems  to  be  entitled  to  claim,  or  has  claimed  the  re 
ward  offered;  but  some  acknowledgment  of  humane  and  disin 
terested  services  would  be  eminently  proper  on  the  part  of  the 
State ;  and  I  recommend  to  you,  therefore,  the  adoption  of  such 
measures  as  may  seem  best  adapted  to  show  the  appreciation  of 
those  services  by  a  grateful  State. 

Another  sorrowful  event,  since  your  adjournment,  has  de 
prived  the  State  of  the  services  of  a  member  of  one  of  your  hon 
orable  bodies.  I  refer  to  the  death  of  Hon.  Charles  Quentin, 
Senator  from  the  5th  Senatorial  District,  who  died  unexpectedly 
on  the  9th  of  May  last. 

It  is  sad  to  me,  indeed,  that  I  have  to  announce  to  you  the 
death  of  two  so  good,  eminent  and  noble  men.  They  have  pre 
ceded  us  to  "that  undiscovered  country,  from  whose  bourne  no 
traveler  returns",  but  they  have  left  such  monuments  behind 
them  as  will  preserve  their  names  and  memory  among  us. 

Among  the  Bills  passed  prior  to  your  adjournment,  and  pre 
sented  to  Gov.  Harvey  fo,r  approval,  are  the  following,  which 
have  not  been  signed  by  him',  to  wit: 

Section  10,  of  article  Y,  of  the  Constitution,  provides  that  "if 
any  bill  shall  not  be  returned  by  the  Governor  within  three 
days  (Sundays  excepted)  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to 
him,  the  same  shall  be  a  law,  unless  the  Legislature  shall,  by 
their  adjournment,  prevent  its  return,  in  which  case  it  shall 
not  be  a  law." 

After  mature  reflection,  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that, 
under  this  provision,  the  bills  above  mentioned  have  failed  to 
become  laws,  and  that  I  have  no  power  to  act  upon  them.  "Three 
days"  must  mean  three  natural  days,  as  the  exception  of  Sun 
days  negatives  any  other  construction,  and  the  spirit  of  the  sec- 

[121] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1862- 

tion  would  seem  clearly  to  cover  every  adjournment  for  more 
than  three  days.  The  construction  also  seems  to  be  the  reason 
for  rule  No.  22  cf  your  joint  rules,  which  prohibits  an  adjourn 
ment  of  either  House  for  more  than  three  days  without  the  con 
sent  of  the  other.  If  it  had  not  been  that,  in  one  or  two  in 
stances  in  the  history  of  our  State,  a  different  construction  ap 
pears  to  have  been  placed  upon  that  clause  of  the  Constitution, 
I  should  not  have  had  any  serious  doubt  about  its  true  meaning. 
But  it  seems  to  me  that  the  construction  I  have  adopted  is  the 
only  safe  one,  as  no  legislative  precedent  would  be  of  much 
weight  if  the  question  should  arise  before  the  judicial  tribunal, 
and  since  an  opportunity  exists  to  re-enact  the  laws  thus  de 
feated. 

Among  the  bills  above  mentioned,  is  one  in  relation  to  the 
salary  and  pay  of  military  officers,  and  the  consolidation  and 
winding  up  of  the  military  departments.  I  deem  it  proper, 
therefore,  to  lay  before  you  the  present  condition  of  those  of 
fices,  and  the  changes  recently  made  therein: 

The  Commissary  General  has  been  relieved  from  active  duty, 
and  his  salary  has  ceased.  The  books  and  papers  of  his  office 
have  been  transferred  to  the  office  of  the  Quartermaster  General, 
and  the  duties  yet  remaining  have  been  devolved  upon  that 
officer. 

The  salary  of  the  Adjutant  General  has  been  fixed  at  $1,600 
per  annum  (including  the  statutory  salary),  to  take  effect  from 
Janua,ry  6th,  1862,  according  to  a  verbal  understanding  be 
tween  Governor  Harvey  and  that  officer.  He  is  allowed  to  em 
ploy  one  clerk,  and  the  State  Armorer  continues  to  be  employed 
under  his  direction. 

The  salary  of  the  Quartermaster  General  has  been  reduced 
to  $1,200  per  annum,  and  his  force  of  employees  has  been  re 
duced  to  two  clerks,  whom  he  is  permitted  to  employ  until  his 
accounts  shall  have  been  placed  in  proper  condition  for  settle 
ment  with  the  General  Government,  which,  as  I  am  assured  by 
that  officer,  will  occupy  but  a  short  time,  and  by  the  1st  of 

[122] 


1862]  MILITARY  ESTABLISHMENTS 

July  it  is  hoped  that  one  clerk  will  be  sufficient  for  that  depart 
ment. 

The  salary  of  the  Military  Secretary  has  been  reduced  to  $400 
per  annum,  since  the  6th  of  February  last. 

It  being  difficult  to  determine  in  advance  to  what  extent  the 
services  of  the  Surgeon  General  would  be  needed,  an  order  has 
been  made  that  his  coiripensation  shall  be  fixed  by  a  future 
order,  and  to  cover  the  time  since  the  6th  day  of  January  last. 

The  salary  of  the  Paymaster  General  has  been  reduced  to 
$1,200  per  annum ;  he  has  no  clerk  or  assistant. 

The  office  of  Adjutant  General  and  that  of  the  Military 
Secretary,  will  continue  to  involve  considerable  labor,  owing  to 
the  large  military  force  in  the  field  from  our  State,  and  the  re 
cruiting  service.  The  services  of  a  Quartermaster  General  will 
also,  probably,  have  to  be  retained,  but  those  of  the  Paymaster 
General  can  soon  be  dispensed  with,  if  proper  provisions  are 
made  by  law  for  the  winding  up  of  his  Department.  I  would 
recommend  that  a  law  be  passed  authorizing  the  discontinuance, 
at  a  proper  time,  of  the  active  duties  of  the  Paymaster  General, 
Quartermaster  General  and  Commissary  General,  and  that  their 
duties,  so  far  as  they  are  auditing  duties,  be  devolved  upon  the 
Secretary  of  State,  and  so  far  as  they  are  disbursing  duties, 
upon  the  State  Treasurer.  The  books,  papers  and  records  of 
those  offices  should  then  be  deposited  in  the  office  of  the  Secre 
tary  of  State.77 

It  has  been  a  source  of  very  great  embarrassment  to  the  Ex 
ecutive  Department  that  no  provisions  had  been  made  for  the 
contingencies  which  have  arisen  since  your  adjournment,  con 
cerning  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  from  our  State.  Wis 
consin  has  sent  into  the  field  24,000  men,  and  a  new  regiment  is 
now  being  organized.  As  our  army  has  advanced,  a  great  many 
of  our  brave  soldiers  have  become  sick,  and  many  have  been 
wounded  upon  the  battle  field.  Especially  has  this  been  the 


77  This  recommendation  was  accepted  in  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  chap* 
364.— ED. 

[123] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1862- 

case  in  the  Army  of  the  Mississippi.  After  the  battle  at  Pitts- 
burg  Landing  my  lamented  predecessor  went  to  the  battle  field 
to  aid  and  assist  the  wounded.  What  he  had  so  nobly  com 
menced,  I  did  not  hesitate  to  carry  out,  so  far  as  having  those 
soldiers  transported  to  their  homes  who  had  by  him  been  sent 
up  the  Mississippi  River.  Subsequently,  when  reliable  and 
continued  accounts  reached  me  of  the  helpless  condition  of  our 
sick  soldiers  along  the  Tennessee  River,  of  the  inadequate  re 
lief  granted  by  the  United  States  authorities ;  when  a  battle  was 
hourly  expected  and,  when  I  was  actually  and  credibly  inform 
ed  that  a  great  battle  near  Corinth  had  commenced,  I  sent  an 
other  commission  under  the  charge  of  the  Commissary  General, 
E.  R.  Wadsworth,  and  the  Surgeon  General,  Dr.  E.  B.  Wolcott, 
to  Pittsburg  Landing;  and  although  no  battle  occurred  then, 
the  commission,  consisting  of  gentlemen  who  volunteered  their 
services,  saved  the  lives  of  many  brave  Wisconsin  soldiers  who 
were  lying  sick  from  the  effects  of  the  climate,  and  who  would 
have  died  had  they  not  been  removed.  Since  then,  all  State 
aid  has  been  excluded  by  the  military  authorities,  until  after  a 
battle.  But  in  that  event  aid  ought  again  to  be  granted  to  those 
who  fall  wounded  upon  the  field. 

I  trust  that  you  will  sanction  what  has  been  done,  and  will 
speedily  make  provision  for  future  emergencies.  The  great 
and  noble  State  of  Wisconsin  ought  not  to  let  her  brave  sons, 
who  fight  the  battles  of  the  Union,  die  for  want  of  attention. 
The  people,  the  poor,  sick,  and  wounded  soldiers,  look  to  the 
Executive  for  aid  in  such  emergencies;  but  his  hands  are  tied 
unless  you  will  place  the  necessary  means  at  his  disposal.  The 
expenses  of  such  expeditions  are  necessarily  large,  notwith 
standing  the  gratuitous  services  of  physicians  and  nurses. 

I  transmit  to  you  herewith,  for  your  information,  copies  of 
the  reports,  in  detail,  of  the  two  expeditions,  sent  to  Keokuk 
and  to  Pittsburg  Landing,  and  also  the  report,  by  the  Surgeon 
General,  of  the  operations  of  the  last  mentioned  expedition. 

Aside  from  such  expeditions,  in  cases  of  emergency  there  are 
constantly  claims  made  upon  me  in  individual  cases.  It  is  but 


i862] 


THE  SICK  AND  WOUNDED 


very  recently  that  the  General  Government  has  made  provision 
for  the  transportation  of  such  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  as  have 
money  due  them  from  the  Government.  Those  who  have  no 
pay  due  them  will  not  be  furnished  with  transportation,  but 
must  shift  for  themselves.  In  the  cities  of  New  York,  Cincin 
nati,  St.  Louis,  and  other  places,  there  are  constantly  arriving 
some  of  our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  anxiously  expecting  to 
find  some  agency  from  our  State  that  will  aid  them  to  get  to 
their  homes.  Something  should  be  done  to  relieve  these  poor, 
suffering  men ;  many  a  life  may  be  saved,  and  many  a  heart  made 
glad.  I  am  confident  that  the  proud  state  of  Wisconsin  will 
not  remain  behind  her  sister  states  in  that  respect.  Accompany 
ing  this  I  lay  before  you  copies  of  a  few  of  the  many  communi 
cations  I  have  received  concerning  the  necessity  of  appointing 
State  agents  to  look  after  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  from 
Wisconsin. 

Observation  and  reflection  on  my  part,  in  regard  to  the  labor 
devolved  upon  our  Supreme  Court  for  the  past  two  or  three 
years,  have  induced  me  to  urge  upon  you  the  necessity  of  tak 
ing  at  this  session,  initiatory  steps  towards  amending  our  Con 
stitution,  in  order  to  provide  for  an  increase  of  the  number  of 
Judges  of  that  Court  for  the  future.  For  the  three  terms  of 
court  held  in  the  years  1856  and  1857,  there  were  in  the  average 
argued  and  decided,  sixty  calendar  causes  and  twelve  motions 
at  each  term.  Since  then  the  business  of  the  court  has  increased 
rapidly,  and  since  the  June  term,  1859,  there  have  been  at  each 
term,  in  the  average,  argued  and  decided  in  that  court,  130 
calendar  causes  and  fourteen  motions.  Thus,  the  labor  of  the 
Judges  for  the  last  three  years  has  been  more  than  double  what 
it  was  in  1856  and  1857. 

Since  the  June  term,  1859,  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court 
have  been  in  session,  simply  hearing  arguments  for  one  hundred 
and  thirty-seven  days,  in  the  average,  in  each  year,  sitting  seven 
hours  a  day.  But  the  hearing  of  arguments  of  causes  brought 
before  them,  is  the  smallest  portion  of  their  labors,  studying  and 
deciding  the  cases,  and  writing  the  opinions,  is  by  far  the  great- 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l862~ 

est  part.  This  labor  is,  I  am  well  convinced,  too  much  for  three 
Judges,  and  I  would  therefore  urgently  recommend  that  the 
number  of  Judges  of  .the  Supreme  Court  be  increased  by  two, 
so  that  the  labor  of  the  court  may  be  divided  by  five.  When 
the  Constitution  was  made,  this  State  had  a  population  of  about 
150,000  inhabitants,  while  now  it  is  not  far  short  of  800,000. 
In  justice  to  the  state,  the  Judges  of  that  court,  and  the  inter 
ests  confided  to  them,  the  change  I  have  recommended  seems 
to  be  imperatively  called  for,  and  I  hope  it  will  meet  with  your 
approbation  and  immediate  action. 

The  President  of  the  United  States  has  recently  called  upon 
our  State  for  another  Regiment  of  Infantry,  which  is  in  pro 
cess  of  organization.  An  act  passed  at  the  present  session,  lim 
its  the  extra  pay  which  the  State  gives  to  the  families  of  vol 
unteers  to  regiments  then  in  process  of  formation,  which  would 
exclude  the  20th  Regiment  from'  the  benefits  of  the  State  bounty. 
It  would  be  but  justice  that  all  volunteers  from  our  State  should 
be  placed  upon  an  equal  footing,  and  that  the  State  should  not 
discriminate  in  its  generosity.  I  would  recommend,  therefore, 
that  the  benefits  of  chapter  8,  of  the  General  Laws  of  the  Extra 
Session  of  1861,  as  modified  by  chapter  112,  of  the  present  ses 
sion,  be  extended  to  the  20th  Regiment.78 

It  is  believed  that  this  will  be  the  last  Regiment  that  the  gen 
eral  Government  will  require  from  our  State,  and  that,  with 
the  present  efficient  army,  and  the  additions  that  will  be  made 
to  it  under  the  last"  call,  Government  will  be  able  to  suppress 
the  armed  rebellion.79  Gradually,  but  steadily,  we  see  the  pro 
portions  of  it  wane,  as  the  army  of  the  Union  advances.  We 
may  meet  with  occasional  reverses,  for  there  is  yet  a  large  and 
desperate  army  contending  against  ours,  but  we  all  feel  that 


!.  chap.  374,  extended  the  benefits  of  the  Volunteer  Aid  Law 
to  the  Twentieth  Infantry. — ED. 

79  Fifty-three   infantry  regiments  were   eventually   called  for   from 
Wisconsin,  before  the  close  of  the  war. — ED. 


[126 


l862]  DEATH   OF   HARVEY 

God  will  grant  final  victory  to  our  just  cause.     May  the  day  of 
that  victory  soon  appear. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 
MADISON,  June  3,  1862. 


LETTER  ACCOMPANYING  THE  GOVERNOR'S  MESSAGE 

CINCINNATI,  May  15,  1862. 
Hon.  Edward  Salomon,  Governor  of  Wisconsin,  Madison, 

DEAR  SIR — Your  letter  of  the  10th  inst.  is  received,  in  which 
you  wish  me  to  give  you  a  full  account  of  the  matter  of  recov 
ering  the  body  of  the  lamented  Governor  Harvey.  I  will 
comply  with  your  wishes,  giving  all  such  details  as  I  judge 
shall  be  interesting  to  his  friends. 

As  the  steamer  Lady  Pike  was  passing  "Britt's  Landing"  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  Tennessee  river,  a  few  miles  below  Savan 
nah,  Wednesday,  April  30th,  we  were  hailed  by  Mr.  Britt,  and 
were  informed  that  the  body  of  Gov.  Harvey  had  been  found,  and 
was  interred  about  two  miles  below.  Mr.  Britt  was  taken  on 
board,  and  directed  us  to  the  spot.  The  particulars  attending 
the  finding,  and  the  burial  of  the  body,  and  subsequent  action 
in  regard  to  it  are  as  follows: 

On  the  Sunday  previous,  27th  April,  some  children  playing 
on  the  bank  of  the  river  discovered  the  body  floating  at  the 
shore,  and  induced  a  negro  man  near  by  to  pull  it  out. 

The  children  and  the  negro  cut  out  all  the  pockets  of  his 
clothes,  and  distributed  the  contents  among  themselves,  the 
negro  retaining  the  watch,  which  he  gave  to  a  negro  woman  in 
the  neighborhood.  The  body  was  then  put  back  in  the  river,  but 
an  eddy  kept  it  near  the  shore.  A  white  man,  whose  name  I 
have  forgotten,  living  near  the  spot,  learned  what  had  been 
done,  had  the  body  taken  out  again  and  buried  as  it  was,  on 
the  bank.  After  the  papers  which  had  been  taken  from  his 
pockets  had  been  (dried,  they  were  found  to  belong  to  Gov. 
Harvey.  It  soon  became  a  neighborhood  talk,  and  the  next 

[127] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l862~ 

day  came  to  the  knowledge  of  a  Mr.  Singleton,  living,  about  two 
miles  from  the  river.  He  immediately  started  through  the 
neighborhood  to  recover  t  the  money,  papers,  watch  and  other 
articles  taken  from  the  body  that  would  be  valuable  as  relics, 
and  I  think  recovered  all.  We  sent  out  for, him.  He  came  to 
us  and  brought  everything  with  him.  These  you  have.  He  did 
all  he  could  to  rectify  what  had  been  done  wrong  the  previous 
day. 

The  body  was  disinterred,  undressed,  washed,  wrapped  in 
blankets  by  Capt.  Fosdick  of  the  29th  Indiana  Volunteers,  and. 
placed  in  a  box  m'ade  for  the  purpose  on  the  boat,  and  taken  to 
Pittsburg  Landing  on  the  Lady  Pike.  At  Savannah  we  ob 
tained  materials  for  another  larger  box,  with  lime  to  fill  the 
space  between  the  two  boxes,  as  the  best  disinfectant  at  our- 
command. 

At  Pittsburg  Landing,  a  portion  of  the  Wisconsin  Regiment 
that  had  been  detailed  to  v  search  for  the  body  claimed  that  it 
should  be  taken  from  the  boat  and  committed  to  their  care.  The 
Captain  of  the  Lady  Pike  (which  :was  the  first  boat  to  leave 
there)  desired  to  be  permitted  to  take  the  body  to  Paducah, 
where  we  all  understood  Gov.  Harvey's  brother  to  be  waiting 
to  hear  of  and  recover  it.  The  officers  of  the  regiment  insisted 
on  taking  it  off  the  boat,  and  procured  an  order  to  do  it  just 
as  the  boat  was  leaving,  it  was  put  on  board  another  boat  and 
taken  to  Cairo. 

I  regretted  this  difference  between  the  officers  of  the  regiment 
and  the  captain  of  the  boat.  The  boat  was  in  .the  employment, 
and  pay  of  the  Government,  and  hence  neither  the  captain  nor 
owners  suffered  any  pecuniary  loss  by  the  detention  of  the  boat 
in  recovering  the  body.  But  the  captain  felt  that  he  had  be 
haved  humanely,  and  desired  that  his  boat  might  be  the  boat 
through  which  the  remains  of  Gov.  Harvey  were  restored  to 
his  friends.  He  felt  hurt  by  the  treatment  of  these  friends  of" 
the  deceased. 

You  asked  my  views  as  to  remuneration,  etc.  I  think  some 
small  token  of  appreciation  to  Capt.  Wm.  Walker  of  the  Lady 


DEATH   OF   HARVEY 

Pike  would  be  judicious  and  proper,  not  as  a  money  value,  but 
as  a  keepsake. 

Mr.  Singleton,  whose  Christian  name  I  have  forgotten,  is  a 
respectable  and  honest  farmer,  in  moderate  circumstances,  liv 
ing  about  two  miles  from  Britt's  Landing.  I  know  very  little 
about  him,  but  should  think  that  some  small  present,  having  a 
money  value,  and  yet  not  money,  would  be  most  acceptable  to 
him. 

There  is  no  post-office  in  his  vicinity;  anything  sent  to  him, 
in  care  of  Mr.  Britt,  at  Britt's  Landing,  would  probably  reach 
him ;  or  sent  to  the  care  of  W.  N.  Cherry,  at  Savannah.  He  is 
one  of  our  truest  friends  in  that  section,  and  would  be  pleased 
to  do  you  a  kindness. 

A  kindly  letter  to  Mr.  Britt  would  gratify  him;  perhaps 
some  trifling  remembrance  of  his  humane  efforts  to  restore  the 
body  might  be  appropriate. 

Capt.  Fosdick,  of  the  29th  Indiana  Regt.  Vol.  did  good  serv 
ice.  The  body  was  in  such  a  state  of  decomposition  that  but 
few  persons  could  have  undressed,  and  handled,  and  washed  it. 
He  did  it  as  tenderly  as  if  his  own  kinsman  was  receiving  his 
last  offices  of  affection.  He  is  a  physician.  You  can  judge 
what  evidence  of  appreciation  will  be  best. 

As  to  the  $1,000  reward:  I  don't  think  any  one  claims  any 
reward.  Clearly,  no  one  is  entitled  to  it.  The  finding  was  by 
parties  who  had  never  heard  of  the  offer,  who  had  spent  no  time 
for  the  purpose,  and  was  entirely  accidental. 

The  conduct  of  the  finders  was  anything  but  commendable. 
The  parties  who  were  subsequently  instrumental  in  its  restora 
tion  to  friends  cannot  certainly  think  of  claiming  any  reward. 
The  presents  above  indicated  will,  I  think,  be  entirely  satis 
factory. 

With  sentiments  of  condolence  with  the  friends  of  this  noble- 
hearted  man,  who  is  now  beyond  the  further  service  of  friends 
or  country  on  earth,  I  am,  very  respectfully,  Your  obedient 
servant, 

WM.  P.  MELLEN. 
9  [ 129  ] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1862- 


MILITARY  CLAIMS 

The  two  following  Special  Messages  refer  to  claims  against 

the  State  for  military  services: 

EXECUTIVE  DEPABTMENT, 

MADISON,  June  9,  1862. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

Claims,  amounting  to  some  four  or  five  thousand  dollars  are 
in  the  files  of  this  office  and  the  several  military  offices,  for  the 
subsistence  of  volunteers,  principally  of  the  2d  Cavalry  Regi 
ment,  Col.  Washburn  commanding.  The  officers  engaged  in 
raising  the  companies  so  subsisted,  were,  of  course,  commissioned 
by  the  Executive,  but  there  is  scarcely  a  case  where  any  author 
ity  was  given  to  place  men  at  board  at  the  expense  of  the  State, 
since  that  regiment  was  raised  by  independent  authority  from 
the  War  Department ;  and  all  bills  should  be  paid  by  the  United 
States  mustering  officer,  as  were  the  bills  for  the  1st  and  3d 
Cavalry,  likewise  raised  under  special  authority. 

The  United  States  mustering  officer,  Capt.  J.  M.  Trowbridge, 
however,  declines  to  audit  and  pay  the  subsistence  bills,  on  the 
grounds  that  they  are,  in  form,  made  out  against  the  State  of 
Wisconsin. 

I  herewith  transmit  a  copy  of  a  communication  recently  re^ 
ceived  from  Capt.  Trowbridge  on  this  subject.  I  cannot  but 
think  that  there  existed  at  the  date  of  the  letter  from  Assistant 
Adjutant  General  Ruggles,  an  entire  misapprehension  on  his 
part  of  the  character  of  these  bills,  since  they  can,  by  no  proper 
construction,  be  deemed  "claims  against  the  State  of  Wiscon 
sin."  The  action  of  the  United  States  mustering  officer  also 
extended  back  several  months  anterior  to  May  16th,  1862,  as  to 
his  refusal  to  pay  the  bills,  and  they  are  of  precisely  the  same 
nature  as  those  audited  and  paid  here  at  Madison  by  Capt. 
Lamott,  the  U.  S.  mustering  officer  on  duty  in  this  locality. 

However  this  may  be,  the  parties  who  furnished  the  subsis 
tence  are  clearly  entitled  to  their  pay,  and  should  have  been 


l862]  A  SOUTHERN  APPEAL 

paid  long  since.  If  there  were  adequate  funds  in  the  Treasury 
for  war  purposes,  I  should  not  hesitate  to  direct  the  payment  of 
these  bills,  in  the  certainty  that  the  State  would  be  re-imbursed 
by  Government ;  but  in  the  existing  condition  of  the  War  Fund, 
I  have  deemed  it  my  duty,  in  justice  to  the  claimants,  to  lay  the 
subject  before  the  Legislature.80 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  June  11,  1862. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

I  hereby  lay  before  you  the  memorial  of  Patrick  Sullivan, 
claiming  payment  for  his  services  as  a  recruiting  officer  of  the 
19th  Eegiment  "Wisconsin  Volunteers.  His  claims,  as  well  as 
those  of  several  other  persons  similarly  situated,  could  not  be 
recognised  by  me  as  proper  claims  against  the  State,  as  that 
regiment  was  not  called  for  by  the  State  authorities,  but  was 
originally  a  purely  independent  regiment. 

I  also  have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  a  copy  of  certain 
resolutions  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Maryland,  and 
transmitted  to  me  by  the  Governor  of  that  State,  with  the  re 
quest  to  submit  those  resolutions  to  your  attention.81 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor. 


so  NO  action  appears  to  have  been  taken. — ED. 

si  This  resolution,  dated  Feb.  22,  1862,  calls  upon  the  Northern 
states  to  cease  agitating  the  slavery  question.  Its  spirit  was  in 
accord  with  Lincoln's  policy  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  of  conciliat 
ing  the  slave-holding  interests  in  loyal  border  states. — ED. 


[131 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1862- 


A  VETO  MESSAGE 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  June  17,  1862. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Senate: 

I  herewith  return  to  you  No.  399,  S,  entitled  "an  act  to 
provide  for  the  enrollment  and  organization  of  the  militia  of 
the  State  of  Wisconsin/'  for  your  reconsideration.  My  objec 
tions  to  the  bill  are  manifold.  I  will  specify  some  of  them. 

The  bill  divides  the  militia  into  "enrolled  militia"  and  "ac 
tive  militia."  The  first  twelve  sections  treat  exclusively  of 
"the  enrolled  militia."  This  enrollment  of  the  militia  seems 
to  be  of  no  particular  service  except  to  furnish  information  as 
to  the  number  of  men  in  the  State  liable  to  military  duty.  This 
"enrolled  militia"  is  not  to  be  organized  or  officered  unless 
called  into  active  service.  The  mode  of  doing  this,  provided 
by  section  6,  by  "written  notice  or  orally,"  is  objectionable  on 
account  of  its  delay  and  impracticability.  Section  7  provides 
that  a  person  ordered  out  and  neglecting  to  appear  shall  be 
taken  to  be  a  soldier  absent  without  leave,  unless  he  pays  twenty- 
five  dollars ;  but  what  punishment,  if  any,  a  soldier  absent  with 
out  leave  shall  receive,  is  no  where  provided  for  in  the  bill.  The 
same  objection  exists  to  section  72. 

By  section  8  the  "Enrolled  Militia,"  when  called  into  active 
service  of  the  State,  or  of  the  United  States,  is  to  be  paid  by 
the  State.  Under  this  section  trie  State  would  have  to  pay  the 
militia  though  they  might  be  in  the  service  of  the  United  States. 
The  reference  of  "section  four,"  occurring  in  the  third  line  of 
that  section,  is  a  mistake. 

Section  10,  while  making  numerous  exemptions  from  military 
duty,  omits  to  exempt  the  State  officers,  members  of  the  legis 
lature,  and  practicing  physicians. 

Some  parts  of  the  bill,  and  especially  section  12,  seems  to 
pre-suppose  the  existence  of  officers,  yet  no  provision  is  made 


132 1 


I862J  MILITARY  ESTABLISHMENT 

for  their  appointment  until  after  this  militia  is  called  into  ac 
tive  service. 

The  system  of  organizing  a  volunteer,  "active  militia,"  pro 
posed  by  this  bill,  is  liable  to  many  objections. 

The  circuitous  manner  of  organizing  a  company,  provided  by 
sections  14,  15,  16  and  17,  is  much  less  practicable  and  speedy 
than  our  present  mode  of  organizing  uniformed  companies. 

By  section  15  an  officer  is  to  be  detailed  to  inspect  certain 
persons,  but  no  provision  is  made  for  paying  that  officer,  and 
no  guaranty  existing  that  the  persons  he  is  called  upon  to  in 
spect  will  enlist. 

Under  section  14,  the  State  is  to  be  divided  into  eight  military 
districts,  and  by  sec.  19,  the  volunteer  companies  in  each  dis 
trict  shall  constitute  a  battalion,  two  battalions  a  regiment, 
etc.  Thus  if  there  should  be  but  one  company  in  one  district, 
that  would  form  a  battalion,  and  three  or  four  in  another  dis 
trict  would  also  make  up  a  battalion.  This  would  evidently 
lead  to  very  unequal  and  incongruous  divisions. 

Among  the  military  staff-officers  of  the  Governor  the  bill 
omits  a  Commissary  General  and  a  Paymaster  General,  two 
very  important  officers  in  time  of  war,  as  the  experience  of  the 
past  year  has  shown. 

I  have  failed  to  discover  any  good  reason  for  section  39. 

By  section  43,  and  other  provisions  of  the  bill,  the  office  of 
the  Adjutant  General  is  made  one  of  considerable  labor  and 
responsibility;  yet  his  salary  is  only  fixed  at  $500  per  annum, 
and  $400  that  of  his  clerk.  Should  this  bill  become  a  law  it 
would  be  impossible  to  find  a  competent  person  willing  to  dis 
charge  the  duties  of  that  already  onerous  office,  for  such  a 
salary. 

Sections  44,  51,  54,  59,  60,  61,  62  and  72  provide  for  fines  for 
the  use  of  the  company;  while  the  Constitution  prescribes  that 
all.  fines  shall  inure  to  the  benefit  of  the  school  fund.  The  same 
objections  may  be  made  to  the  moneys  mentioned  in  section  7. 

The  effect  of  the  proviso  of  section  14  is  destroyed  by  a  eleri- 


[133] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1862- 

cal  but  fatal  mistake.     The  words  "a  less  number,"  should 
-•read  ''the  full  number." 

JThe  provision  in  section  72,  that  every  soldier,  when  ordered 
"<mt,  *hall  take  with  him  provisions  for  not  less  than  three  days, 
seems  to  me  objectionable.     This  should  be  left  to  the  order  of 
commanding  officers. 

The  power  conferred  on  commanders  of  brigades  and  regi 
ments  by  section  69,  is,  in  my  view,  a  dangerous  and  unneces 
sary  one,  an  improper  exercise  of  which  may  subject  the  State 
to  large  and  unnecessary  expenses.  It  seems  to  me  that  this 
power  ought  to  be  left  to  the  Commander-in-Chief. 

There  is  no  provision  in  the  bill  for  furnishing  transporta 
tion  to  the  active  militia  when  called  out. 

The  sections  in  relation  to  courts  martial  and  courts  of  in 
quiry  are  also  objectionable.  The  superior,  not  the  senior  of 
ficer  should  preside.  No  provision  is  made  for  furnishing  a 
copy  of  charges  to  field  officers.  The  Major  General  seems  not 
to  be  liable  to  be  brought  before  any  court  martial,  as  by  sec 
tion  82  the  presiding  officer  shall  always  be  of  a  rank  superior 
to  that  of  the  officer  on  trial.  This  system  of  courts 'martial  and 
courts  of  inquiry,  if  carried  into  extensive  operation,  might  sub 
ject  the  State  to  large  and  often  unnecessary  expenses.  It 
seems  to  me  that  this  subject  might  properly  be  left  to  such  re 
gulations  as  the  Commander-in-Chief  might  make,  conforming 
as  nearly  as  possible  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  United 
States  Army. 

While  strongly  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  having,  in 
the  future,  a  better  and  more  effective  system  of  militia  in  our 
State,  I  am  also  well  convinced  that  the  bill  under  consideration 
would  not  give  us  such  a  better  system. 

Another  reason  for  withholding  my  signature  to  this  bill,  is 
that,  as  appears  by  the  printed  journal  of  the  Assembly,  it  was 
not  passed  by  calling  the  yeas  and  nays  in  that  House.  This 
should  have  been  done,  as  section  114  makes  the  necessary  ap 
propriation  of  money,  without  which  the  provisions  of  the  bill 
>could  not  be  carried  into  effect. 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor. 

[134] 


1862]  AMID  PUBLIC  DANGERS 


1862.    Special  Legislative  Session,  September  10-26 

The  Governor  having,  by  Proclamation,  convened  a  Special 
•Session  of  the  Legislature  to  meet  on  September  10,  to  transact 
''business  of  great  public  importance,"  he  transmitted  to  each 
House  by  his  Private  Secretary,  the  following 

SPECIAL  MESSAGE 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  Sept.  10,  1862. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

FELLOW  CITIZENS — Under  the  power  granted  by  the  Consti 
tution  of  our  State,  I  have  convened  you  at  this  time  in  order 
to  lay  before  you  several  matters  of  great  public  importance 
which,  in  my  opinion,  require  immediate  action  on  your  part. 
In  this  time  of  public  commotion  and  danger  it  behooves  us 
all,  and  especially  those  who  are  placed  at  the  head  of  the  Com 
monwealth,  to  examine  carefully  and  closely  our  situation,  and, 
if  possible,  to  guard  against  dangers  that  may  suddenly  arise, 
and,  finding  us  unprepared,  bring  upon  us  endless  troubles  and 
misery.  In  this  respect  we  have  learned  much  within  the  last 
year.  Had  the  full  extent  and  power  of  the  Southern  rebellion 
been  understood  by  the  loyal  people — had  their  full  strength 
been  sooner  called  into  activity — we  should  not  now  have  to 
lament  the  recent  reverses  of  our  arms,  and  again  see  our  Capi 
tal  beleaguered  and  in  danger.82  When,  prior  to  your  adjourn 
ment,  the  President  of  the  United  States  had  called  for  addition 
al  seventy-five  thousand  men  to  strengthen  our  national  army, 
we  all  fondly  hoped  that  that  would  be  the  last  call  for  troops,  and 
rested  in  perfect  security,  relying  upon  the  army  then  in  the 


82  The  decisive  reverses  of  the  Union  forces  at  Cedar  Mountain  and 
Second  Bull  Run,  together  with  the  disaster  at  Harpers  Ferry  and 
the  entrance  of  Lee  into  Maryland,  came  in  rapid  succession  during 
August  and  early  September. — ED. 

[I3S] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l862~ 

field  and  the  latent  power  of  the  North.  "We  were  sadly  mis 
taken.  Six  hundred  thousand  more  men  have  since  then  been 
called  for,  and  while  every  exertion  is  made  to  send  them  to  the 
rescue,  our  army  is  compelled  to  retreat  before  an  enemy  sup 
erior  in  numbers.  "Week  after  week  necessarily  passes  in  t  the 
herculean  task  of  organization,  and  the  new  troops  are  hurried 
to  the  field  without, having  had  time  to  learn  the  most  necessary 
military  drill  and  discipline.  What  valuable  time  has  not  been 
lost  because  most  of  the  States  were  utterly  unprepared  to  meet 
the  call  of  the  nation  ?  This  may  not  be  the  last  call  for  troops. 
The  nation  should  not  again  be  found  sleeping  while  this  gi 
gantic  struggle  lasts;  and  it  rests  with  the  people  of  the  several 
loyal  States  to  prepare  themselves  for  future  emergencies. 

Again :  it  is  evident  that,  to  meet  further  calls,  it  is  necessary 
to  rely  upon  a  system  of  drafting  or  conscription,  and  what 
ever  may  have  been  the  popular  prejudice  against  this  sys 
tem,  it  will  soon  be  generally  conceded  that  it  is  the  true  and 
best  mode  of  speedily  calling  out  the  military  power  of  the 
country.  But  in  order  to  make  this  system  a  just,  equitable 
and  effective  one,  legislation  is  necessary.  "When  the  call  of 
the  President  was  made  for  the  300,000  drafted  militia,  no  law 
existed,  or  does  now  exist  in  our  State,  for  drafting,  and  hence 
I  had  to  rely  upon  regulations  of  the  "War  Department  to  an 
swer  the  call.83  The  enrollment  of  the  militia  had  for  years 
been  neglected  in  our  State,  and  although  I  had  long  before 
called  upon  the  assessors  to  make  the  enrollment  as  required, 
I  found  that,  in  the  absence  of  proper  regulations  for  the  purpose, 
such  enrollm'ent  would  be  utterly  incomplete  and  inefficient. 
Prompt  action  was  necessary,  and  hence,  I  instructed  the  Sher 
iffs  of  the  counties  to  make  the  enrollment,  which  is  probably 
now  completed  throughout  the  State. 

The  apportionment  of  the  number  of  men  required  from  each 
town,  city,  ward,  or  county,  should  have  been  based  upon  the 


BS  For  the  draft  regulations  of  the  War  Department  see  Rebellion 
Records,  gen.  index,  under  "drafts." — ED. 

[136] 


1862]  CONSCRIPTION  SUGGESTED 

number  of  men  liable  to  military  duty  therein,  but  in  the  ab 
sence  of  any  enrollment,  I  could  only  make  such  apportionment 
according  to  the  number  of  inhabitants.  Volunteering  being 
permitted  to  a  given  date  only  by  the  General  Government  to 
apply  to  the  drafted  militia,  it  became  necessary  to  assign  at 
least  to  each  county  its  quota  of  men  immediately,  and  that 
couid  only  be  done  according  to  the  number  of  inhabitants ;  and 
even  now  it  will  not  be  practicable  to  make  another  apportion 
ment,  as  that  would  require  returns  of  the  enrolled  militia  from 
the  entire  State,  which  have  not  yet  reached  us,  and  further  de 
lay  than  is  absolutely  necessary  would  not  be  warranted  by  the 
critical  condition  of  our  country.  Whatever  number,  therefore, 
may  be  required  to  fill  our  quota  for  the  past  calls  of  the  Gov 
ernment,  will  have  to  be  drafted  under  regulations  already 
made. 

It  seems  also  hardly  proper,  and  certainly  is  contrary  to  the 
regulations  dictated  by  long  experience  of  other  countries,  where 
conscription  has  always  and  does  now  exist,  that  all  able  bodied 
men  between  the  ages  of  18  and  45  years  should  be  called  upon 
to  draw  lots  without  any  regard  to  other  circumstances.  In  my 
view,  men  between  18  and  35  years  of  age  should  first  be  called 
out  and  that  class  exhausted  before  men  between  35  and  45 
should  be  compelled  to  go.  A  distinction  might  also  properly 
be  made  between  married  and  unmarried  men;  exemptions 
should  be  made  as  in  all  civilized  countries,  in  certain  cases 
where  of  the  same  family  several  are  already  in  the  service  and 
one  has  remained  at  home  as  the  supporter  of  the  family. 

In  case  of  a  further  demand  for  troops,  State  regulations, 
under  the  sanction  of  the  legislative  power,  should  exist  for 
these  and  other  points. 

A  few  weeks  ago  the  public  was  startled  and  shocked  by  the 
news  of  an  Indian  raid  and  massacre  in  one  of  our  neighboring 
States.84  This  attack  of  the  savages  in  Minnesota,  was  followed 


s*  See  Frederic  L.  Paxson,  The  Last  American  Frontier  (New  York, 
1910),  p.  234.— ED. 

[137] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON 

immediately  by  calls  upon  me  from  our  own  frontier  in  the  north 
ern  and  northwestern  part  of  the  State  for  arms,  ammunition 
and  men.  So  far  as  lay  in  my  power,  I  immediately  and 
promptly  answered  those  calls  by  sending  all  our  State  arms 
and  all  the  ammunition  at  my  disposal,  into  the  regions  threat 
ened  with  danger;  but  in  the  absence  of  any  military  organi 
zation  under  sanction  of  law,  I  had  to  trust  these  arms  to  some 
reliable  men  in  the  different  localities.  There  are  thousands  of 
Indians  in  our  State  hovering  upon  the  frontier  settlements. 
Evidence  has  been  furnished  to  me  that  leaves  little  doubt  in  my 
mind  that  all  the  northern  tribes  of  Indians,  including  those  in 
our  own  State,  have  been  tampered  with  by  Southern  emissaries 
in  the  employ  of  the  rebels,  to  induce  them  to  form  a  league  and 
to  commence  warfare  upon  the  borders  of  the  loyal  States.  The 
recent  outbreak  in  Minnesota,  I  am  well  satisfied,  must  be 
ascribed  to  rebel  influence. 

The  fearful  consequences  of  an  unexpected  attack  of  these 
savages  upon  our  peaceful  communities  can  hardly  be  imagined ; 
but  the  recent  panic  in  some  of  the  most  densely  populated  parts 
of  our  State,  must  be  a  solemn  warning  to  us  to  be  prepared. 
After  the  regiments  now  in  organization  in'  our  State  shall  have 
left,  the  savage  warriors  within  our  borders,  if  incited  to  sim 
ilar  atrocities  as  the  Sioux  tribe  in  Minnesota,  could  plunder 
and  murder  our  peaceful  citizens  by  thousands,  if  we  do  not 
arm  and  prepare  ourselves.  We  cannot  rely  upon  protection 
by  the  strong  arm  of  the  General  Government  in  such  an 
emergency;  its  help  would  be  too  tardy.  "When  the  Minne 
sota  massacre  occurred,  and  the  citizens  of  our  frontier  counties 
sent  in  requests  and  delegations  to  me,  I  immediately  applied 
to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Mr.  Stanton,  by  telegraph,  for  arms 
and  ammunition.  After  repeated  dispatches  stating  our  con 
dition,  and  asking  for  ammunition,  and  after  many  days'  elapse 
an  answer  came  from  that  officer  saying  that  he  did  not  know 
that  there  were  Indians  in  Wisconsin !  The  time  and  attention 
of  the  Secretary  of  War  is  evidently  and  naturally  so  much 
engrossed  with  the  movements  of  our  great  army,  that  prompt 

[138] 


•*862]  CONSCRIPTION  SUGGESTED 

action  can  hardly  be  expected  in  case  of  any  disturbances  on 
•our  frontier.  After  more  than  two  weeks  from  the  time  of  the 
Massacre,  Minnesota  was  yet  without  sufficient  arms,  and  ap 
plied  to  us  for  aid.  1  trust  and  hope  that  no  such  disturbances 
will  arise  in  our  State,85  but  the  surest  mode  of  avoiding  danger 
is  to  be  prepared  for  it.  We  should  become  familiar  with  the 
thought  that  in  the  present  condition  of  our  country  we  must 
become  a  warlike  people;  every  community  should  be  prepared 
to  defend  itself. 

To  be  able  then  promptly  to  answer  future  calls  of  the  Gen 
eral  Government  for  troops;  to  be  able  to  send  into  the  field 
men  who  know  at  least  the  rudiments  of  drill  and  how  to  use  a 
gun ;  to  be  able  to  defend  our  own  firesides  against  attacks  and 
invasion,  our  State  should  have  an  effective  organization  of  the 
"militia,  and  a  sufficient  supply  of  arms  and  ammunition,  and 
-should  have  it  now.  Our  present  laws  are  insufficient  for  this 
purpose;  they  were  not  made  for  such  times  or  emergencies; 
our  supply  of  arms  is  too  small,  and  for  ammunition  we  have 
to  rely  on  the  Government  at  Washington. 

Perhaps  circumstances  will  not  permit  you  to  enact  at  the 
present  time,  an  entirely  new  and  well  digested  militia  system, 
with  all  its  details.  I  would  therefore  .recommend  that  by  some 
few  and  general  enactments  amending  the  present  militia  law, 
provision  be  m'ade  for  the  immediate  organization,  the  neces 
sary  drill,  and  the  calling  into  active  service  in  case  of  neces 
sity  of  the  militia  of  our  state;  that  provision  be  made  for 
drafting  militia  in  case  of  need  to  serve  out  of  the  state,  and 
for  the  purchase  of  the  necessary  arms  and  ammunition.  This 
would  answer  for  our  present  emergencies  until  the  next  regu 
lar  session  of  the  legislature.  A  military  board  or  commission 
might,  however,  be  created  with  instructions  to  prepare  a  com 
plete  milita  system,  to  be  laid  before  the  next  Legislature.  For 
present  organization  the  recent  enrollment  made  by  the  sheriffs 
would  probably  be  sufficient,  and  it  might  be  adopted  as  a 
"basis. 


s  Wisconsin  Indians  were  comparatively  quiet  during  the  war. — ED. 

[139] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1862- 

Another  subject  to  which  I  desire  to  call  your  attention  at 
the  present  time  is  the  enactment  of  a  law  which  shall  give  the 
soldiers  from  this  state  now  in  the  army  the  right  to  vote  at 
the  next  general  election.  After  our  quota  shall  have  been  filled 
we  shall  have  about  48,000  men  in  the  army  of  the  Union. 
Among  these,  it  is  safe  to  presume  there  are  at  least  40,000 
voters,  who  certainly  have  as  deep,  if  not  a  deeper  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  the  state  and  Union,  and  in  the  policy  that  shall 
guide  their  counsels  in  their  representative  halls  as  those  who 
have  remained  at  home.  The  views  of  these  brave  and  patri 
otic  men  should  be  heard  through  the  ballot  box,  and  should 
have  proper  weight  in  shaping  the  destiny  of  our  imperilled 
country.  Who  votes  must  bear  arms,  was  the  just  decision  of 
the  Secretary  of  War;  who  bears  arms  should  not  be  disfran 
chised,  but  be  permitted  to  vote,  should  be  the  policy  of  the 
country.  There  is  nothing,  I  believe,  in  our  Constitution  which 
would  prohibit  the  enactment  of  such  a  law.  On  the  contrary, 
Section  4  of  Article  3,  provides  that  "No  person  shall  be 
deemed  to  have  lost  his  residence  in  this  State  by  reason  of  his 
absence  on  business  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State." 
This  at  least  indicates  that  the  spirit  of  our  Constitution  is 
against  disfranchisement  of  our  soldiers;  justice  seems  to  de 
mand  that  they  should  be  rewarded  in  a  different  manner  for 
their  patriotism  than  by  a  loss  of  one  of  the  most  important 
rights  of  citizenship,  especially  in  the  present  crisis,  and  if 
rests  therefore  with  you  to  say  whether  our  election  laws  shall 
be  so  amended  as  to  permit  the  taking  of  the  soldier's  vote.  It 
is  believed  that  a  law  could,  without  much  difficulty,  be  framed 
for  this  purpose,  so  that  the  soldiers  may  vote  for  the  most  im 
portant  public  officers  at  least;  for  State  officers  and  for  their 
respective  representatives  in  Congress,  and  the  State  Legis 
lature.86 


.  Gen.  Laws.  ex.  sess.,  1862,  chap.  11,  enabled  Wisconsin  sol 
diers  in  the  army  to  exercise  their  right  of  suffrage.  The  military 
vote  for  President  and  Governor  In  the  election  ot  1864  is  given  la.-. 
Legislative  Manual  (Madison,  1865),  pp.  172,  185. — ED. 

[140] 


1862]  VOLUNTEER  AID   FUND 

The  three  field  officers,  or  in  their  absence  the  three  ranking 
officers  of  each  regiment,  and  three  highest  commissioned  offi 
cers,  or  those  acting  in  their  places,  of  each  battery  of  artillery 
or  each  company  or  squadron  of  infantry  or  cavalry  on  de 
tached  service,  might  be  made  the  inspectors  of  the  election, 
with  power  to  appoint  the  proper  person  clerk  of  the  election 
so  that  the  vote  may  be  taken  on  the  day  fixed  by  the  Constitu 
tion. 

I  consider  such  a  law  a  matter  of  simple  justice,  as  well  as 
of  great  importance,  and  trust  therefore  that  it  will  meet  with 
your  approbation. 

Another  subject  that  should  receive  your  attention  is  the 
condition  of  cur  Volunteer  Aid  Fund. 

The  payments  made  from  that  fund  from  Jan 
uary  1st  to  the  present  time  are $211,556.26 

averaging  nearly  $30,000  month. 

The  payments  will  average  at  least  two  months 
in  arrear.  Including  arrearages  to  meet  the 
demands  upon  the  Volunteer  Aid  Fund,  say 
to  -the  middle  of  next  February,  will  require 
money  enough  for  eight  months '  payments, 
which,  at  $30,000  per  month  will  amount  to. .  $240,000.00 
To  meet  this  there  is  now  in  the  Fund  subject  to 

draft  for  this  purpose  about   90,000.00 


Leaving  a  deficiency  of $150,000  00 

Should  the  aid  be  continued  throughout  the  next  year  it 
ivill  require  at  least  $360,000,  without  extending  it  to  any  of 
the  regiments  after  the  20th. 

This  deficiency  of  $150,000  arises  mainly  from  the  fact  that 
since  the  appropriation  was  made  by  you  for  this  purpose  last 
spring,  the  volunteer  aid  has  been  extended  to  the  20th  regi 
ment,  and  that  it  was  supposed  that  after  final  settlement  with 
the  United  States  of  our  war  claims,  and  after  payment  of  our 
war  debts,  there  would  remain  a  surplus  of  about  $100,000  to 

[141] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON 

go  into  the  Volunteer  Aid  Fund.  This  calculation  was  prob 
ably  correct,  but  although  our  vouchers  have  long  since  been 
transmitted  to  the  Treasury  Department  at  Washington,  we 
have  not  yet  been  able  to  obtain  a  final  settlement  of  our  ac 
counts,  and  after  another  advance  of  $110,000  made  by  the: 
General  Government,  which  has  been  used  in  part  payment 
of  our  war  debts,  any  further  advance  has  been  refused  until 
final  settlement.  It  is  very  difficult  to  conjecture  when  the  De 
partments  at  Washington  will  be  ready  for  that  final  settlement. 

Unless  you  should  therefore  deem  it  desirable  to  change  the 
law  in  relation  to  the  volunteer  aid,  provision  should  be  made 
now  to  include  in  our  State  tax  the  $150,000,  in  order  to  carry 
payments  from  that  Fund  to  the  middle  of  February  next,  and 
an  additional  $360,000  to  cover  next  year's  payments.  I  can 
not  advise  a  further  issue  of  State  bonds  for  this  purpose,  as 
the  commissioners  for  the  negotiation  of  the  last  $200,000  found 
it  not  without  difficulty  to  dispose  of  them  at  par,  and  as  it 
seems  much  more  advisable  to  raise  the  necessary  money  for 
this  purpose  now  by  tax,  than  to  sell  our  bonds  below  par.87 

Up  to  the  time  that  I  discontinued  the  active  duties  and 
pay  of  Paymaster-General,  the  employees  in  our  military  offices- 
had  received  pay-rolls  and  other  vouchers  from  the  Paymaster- 
General  for  their  salaries,  but  when  the  duties  of  that  officer 
were  discontinued,  it  was  found  that  no  provision  existed  by 
which  the  Secretary  of  State  could  audit  the  claims  for  salary 
of  these  clerks.  I  have  since  that  time,  been  compelled  to  pay 
these  employees  from  a  few  thousand  dollars  that  remained 
subject  to  my  draft  of  the  $200,000  fund  created  for  general 
war  purposes,  by  chapters  239  and  307,  of  the  Laws  of  1861. 
This  money,  however,  is  nearly  all  exhausted,  while  the  force 
of  clerks  in  the  Executive  office,  and  in  that  of  the  Adjutant 


87  wis.  Gen.  Laws,  ex.  sess.,  1862,  chap.  4,  extended  the  benefits  of 
the  Volunteer  Aid  Law  to  all  regiments  raised  or  still  to  be  raised 
within  the  State,  and  levied  a  special  tax  of  $275,000  for  the  use  Of 
the  fund. — ED. 


1862]  APPEAL  TO   PATRIOTISM 

General,  has  necessarily  to  be,  and  continues  to  be,  pretty  large, 
under  the  present  and  prospective  great  pressure  of  business. 
Provision  should  therefore  be  made  for  the  payment  of  these 
employees.88 

You  have  assembled  here  at  a  dark  hour  in  the  history  of 
our  country,  the  recent  reverses  of  our  arms  cast  a  gloom  upon 
every  loyal  countenance ;  the  Union  army  in  the  East  has  strug 
gled  for  over  a  year,  our  troops  have  fought  nobly — and  many 
a  loyal  and  brave  soul  has  expired  upon  the  battle  field.  We 
deemed  ourselves  victorious  but  a  short  time  ago;  suddenly 
all  is  changed,  our  army  obliged  to  retreat,  our  National  Capi 
tal  again  in  danger,  the  enemy's  army  in  Maryland.  All  this, 
however,  should  not  make  us  despond,  but  only  kindle  anew 
the  fire  of  patriotism  in  our  hearts  and  arouse  us  to  new  exer 
tions  and  new  energy. 

The  fortunes  of  war  are  not  always  on  the  same  side.  We 
have  been  too  confident  in  the  slumbering  power  of  the  North; 
conscious  of  our  strength  we  have  not  called  it  into  action 
soon  enough.  But  the  people  of  the  loyal  States  have  with 
wonderful  alacrity  responded  to  the  recent  calls  of  the  Gov 
ernment  for  600,000  more  men.  They  are  now  being  hurried 
to  the  endangered  points,  and  while  the  traitorous  South  has 
exhausted  its  resources  of  men,  we  can  send,  if  necessary,  an 
other  600,000  soldiers  to  overwhelm  and  crush  the  rebellion. 
Let  the  Peovle  of  the  loyal  States  remain  united  and  true  to 
our  flag,  our  government  and  our  constitution,  and  we  shall 
not  be  obliged  to  see  a  dishonorable  peace  and  dismemberment 
of  the  Union ! 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor. 


chap.    5,   authorized   the    Secretary   of   State  to   audit  the 
salary  claims  of  these  clerks. — ED. 


[143] 


GOVERNOR  SALOiMON 


AN  APPEAL  TO  THE   LEGISLATURE 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  Sept.  25,  1862. 
To  the  Ho*n.  the  Legislature: 

A  bill  has  been  passed  during  your  present  session  extending 
the  benefits  of  the  volunteer  aid  law  to  the  families  of  all 
soldiers  in  the  field  now,  or  in  regiments  now  being  organized 
or  hereafter  to  be  raised  for  the  United  States  service  in  this 
state.89  I  regret  to  say  that  I  do  not  find  among  the  bills 
which  have  passed  the  legislature,  that  adequate  means  have 
been  provided  to  meet  the  very  largely  increased  expenditure 
thus  contemplated.  It  is  estimated  that  nearly  or  quite  $2,000 
per  day  will  be  required  to  meet  the  requisitions  of  the  laws 
already  passed,  including  the  extension  to  the  new  regiments 
which  you  have  provided  for.  The  tax  of  $275,000  which  has 
been  directed  to  be  levied  will  not  be  sufficient  to  meet  the 
necessities  of  the  case  until  another  tax  can  be  levied  and  col 
lected;  and  if  it  were  sufficient  in  amount,  will  not  be  paid  in 
and  available  until  considerable  time  has  elapsed,  in  which 
there  will  be  no  money  in  the  treasury  to  pay  the  claims  aris 
ing  under  the  laws  referred  to.  There  must  inevitably  be 
two  months  or  more,  during  which  these  claims  cannot  be  paid. 

The  legislature,  by  passing  these  volunteer  or  bounty  laws, 
has  told  the  families  of  our  soldiers — in  effect,  pledged  to  them 
the  faith  of  the  state — that  they  might  expect  the  promised 
aid  promptly,  on  proper  application  and  verification  of  their 
claim,  and  those  families  are  induced  to  place  reliance  upon 
the  promise.  Small  as  the  amount  is,  it  is  in  very  many  cases 
the  sole  reliance  of  the  family  for  many  of  the  necessaries  of 
life.  If  the  legislature,  in  its  wisdom,  shall  deem  it  not  advis 
able  to  continue  the  bounty,  it  would  without  doubt  be  a  very 
great  hardship  to  the  families  of  the  soldiers;  but  it  would, 


,  -chap.  4. — ED. 

[144] 


SOLDIERS'  CLAIMS 

in  my  judgment,  be  better  than  to  hold  out  the  promise  and 
encourage  the  hope  of  obtaining  the  bounty,  and  still  to  neglect 
to  furnish  the  means  of  paying  it.  In  the  former  case  there 
would  at  least  be  no  hopes  raised  to  be  disappointed  on  applica 
tion  to  the  proper  officers  of  the  state,  and  those  officers  would 
not,  as  they  have  been  on  former  occasions,  be  burdened  with 
the  heavy  task  of  an  enormous  correspondence  occupied  in  re 
fusing  applications,  and  making  apologies. 

I  trust  that  the  legislature  will  not  adjourn  without  mak 
ing  the  necessary  provision  of  law  to  enable  the  state  officers 
to  meet  promptly  all  claims  of  the  families  of  the  gallant  men 
who  are  absent,  periling  their  lives  in  their  country's  cause.9* 
JAMES  T.  LEWIS,  Acting  Governor. 


»o  The  matter  was  referred  to  a  joint  committee,  which  recommended 
a  tax  levy  of  $150,000  and  a  bond  issue  for  an  additional  $150,000. 
The  Legislature,  however,  adjourned  without  further  action. — ED. 


10  [  145 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1862- 


1862.    In  Legislative  Recess 

The  Governor  issued  the  following 

THANKSGIVING  DAY  PROCLAMATION 

To  the  people  of  Wisconsin: 

Amidst  the  manifold  vicissitudes  and  calamities  that  have 
befallen  and  surrounded  us,  threatening  the  life  of  our  nation,, 
and  the  lives  of  so  many  of  its  heroic  and  noble  sons,  it  pecul 
iarly  becomes  us  to  turn  with  grateful  hearts  to  the  Supreme 
Being  for  the  many  blessings  we  have  enjoyed,  and  the  afflic 
tions  we  have  been  spared. 

The  horrors  and  devastations  of  war,  so  fiercely  raging 
around  us,  have  not  touched  the  border  of  our  State;  except 
ing  the  brave  men  who  have  rallied  around  our  country's  flag 
in  this  time  of  peril;  our  citizens  have  been  permitted  to  pur 
sue  their  peaceful  avocations ;  our  harvest,  though  not  as  abund 
ant  as  Providence  sometimes  has  pleased  to  grant  us,  has  yet 
well  compensated  the  labor  bestowed  upon  it,  and  well  filled 
our  houses  and  barns;  the  savage  tribes  upon  our  border  set 
tlements,  so  threatening  at  one  time  to  our  peace,  have  been 
quieted,  and  kept  under  surveillance.91 

The  great  cause  of  our  nation,  it  is  true,  has  not  triumphed 
yet  over  its  enemies,  but  neither  has  it  yet  failed;  the  enemy 
has  been  driven  from  the  soil  of  the  loyal  States;  our  army 
has  been  reinforced  by  hundreds  of  thousands  of  brave,  pa 
triotic  and  noble  men  ready  to  do  battle,  and,  if  necessary  to 
die  for  the  integrity  of  the  Union;  our  resources  and  energies 
are  unimpaired;  we  have  reason  to  be  hopeful  for  the  future, 
and  therefore  thankful  for  the  past. 

The  loyalty,  honor,  and  patriotism  of  the  State  of  "Wiscon- 


Cf  ante,  p.  137,  note  84.— ED. 


I8621  DRAFT  RIOTS 

sin  has  been  nobly  sustained  by  her  brave  sons  upon  every 
field  of  battle  where  they  have  been  called  upon  to  vindicate 
our  national  flag.  The  just  pride  which  we  feel  in  the  bravery 
of  our  noble  soldiers  should  fill  our  hearts  with  gratitude  to 
Almighty  God,  who  has  sustained  them  in  their  hour  of  trial. 

For  these  and  other  uncounted  blessings  which  the  infinite 
goodness  of  God  has  vouchsafed  to  us  during  the  past  year, 
we  should  thank  Him  from!  the  depth  of  our  hearts.  And! 
therefore,  and  in  accordance  with  a  time  honored  custom,  I 
do  hereby  appoint  THURSDAY,THE  27TH  DAY  OF  NO 
VEMBER,  1862,  AS  A  DAY  OF  THANKSGIVING  AND 
REST,  and  recommend  to  the  people  of  this  State  on  that  day 
to  abstain  from  secular  labor,  and  to  assemble  at  their  usual 
places  of  worship  to  show  their  grateful  hearts  to  the  benefi 
cent  Ruler  of  the  Universe,  and  to  pray  for  a  speedy  sup 
pression  of  the  rebellion,  and  for  peace  to  our  distracted  coun 
try. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  by  name, 
and  caused  the  Great  Seal  of  State  to  be  affixed  this  31st  day 
of  October,  A.  D.  1862. 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor.     '  ,    ,, 


DRAFT  RIOTS  REBUKED 

In  November,  1862,  the  Governor  addressed  the  following 
Proclamations  to  the  people  of  Ozaukee  and  Milwaukee  coun 
ties,  wherein  there  had.  been  armed  resistance  to  the  draft: 

To  the  People  of  Ozaukee  County: 

Information  has  reached  me  of  a  disgraceful  and  violent  dis 
turbance  of  the  public  peace  and  forcible  resistance  to  the 
draft,  accompanied  with  personal  violence  to  the  Commissioner 
for  drafting,  and  other  persons,  and  destruction  of  private  and 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON 

."public  property  in  your  county.92  I  have  taken  steps  to  have 
the  perpetrators  and  abettors  of  these  crimes  promptly  ar- 
:  rested.  They,  as  well  as  every  person  interfering  with  or  re 
sisting  the  draft,  will  be  arrested  and  punished  according  to 
the  Proclamation  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  of 
September  25th,  1862.93 

It  is  one  of  the  inherent  and  necessary  powers  of  every 
government  to  call  upon  its  citizens,  or  subjects,  to  take  up 
<arms  in  its  defence.  This  power  exists,  beyond  question,  in 
the  Government  of  the  United  States.  An  act  of  Congress  has 
Authorized  the  President  to  call  out  the  Militia,  and  the  draft 
ordered  in  this  state,  as  in  all  other  loyal  states,  is  made  in 
pursuance  cf  that  act  of  Congress.  Resistance  by  you  to  the 
Government  of  the  United  States,  or,  of  this  State,  is  both 
wrong  and  vain,  and  can  only  lead  to  calamity  and  misfortune 
to  those  who  attempt  it.  The  draft  will  be  executed  in  your 
County  as  well  as  in  every  other  county  in  the  State,  where 
it  has  been  ordered. 

I  have  sent  a  sufficient  Military  power  into  your  County  under 
the  command  of  the  special  Provost-Marshal  of  the  State,  ap 
pointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  such  and 
other  purposes,  in  order  to  arrest  those  who  are  guilty  of  the 
recent  violent  resistance  to  the  draft,  and  to  see  that  the  draft 
is  properly  enforced  in  your  County,  and  I  now  call  on  you  to 
Make  no  further  resistance  to  the  lawfully  constituted  author 
ities,  but  to  submit  to  the  laws  of  the  country. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State,  at 
Madison,  this  llth  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
One  Thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-two. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


92  The  details  of  the  Ozaukee  riot  are  published  in  E.  B.  Quiner, 
Military  History  of  Wisconsin  (Chicago1,  1866),  p.  145. — ED. 

as  This  proclamation  may  be  found  in  J.  G.  Nicolay  and  J.  Hay, 
Works  of  Abraham  Lincoln  (New  York,  1905),  ii,  p.  239. — ED. 

[148] 


l862J  DRAFT  RIOTS 

To  the  People  of  Milwaukee  County: 

Information  has  reached  me  of  threats  and  public  demon 
strations  made  against  the  execution  of  the  draft  for  militia  in 
your  county. 

By  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  the  supreme  law 
of  the  land,  it  is  provided  that,  "Congress  shall  have  power  to 
provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the  laws  of 
the  Union,  suppress  insurrection,  and  repel  invasion."  In  pur 
suance  of  this  provision,  Congress  has  authorized  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States  to  call  forth  the  militia,  or  a  portion 
of  the  militia  of  the  States,  to  suppress  insurrection,  and  the 
President  has  accordingly  called  forth  a  part  of  the  militia 
of  each  state,  and  for  that  purpose  ordered  the  present  draft.. 
By  the  orders  of  the  President  this  draft  was  to  be  made  in 
all  the  states  on  the  third  day  of  September  last  past,  but  ow 
ing  to  the  want  of  an  enrollment  of  the  militia  in  our  State  as 
well  as  in  many  others,  it  was  subsequently  ordered  that  the 
draft  should  be  made  by  the  Governors  in  the  several  states  as 
soon  as  possible  after  the  first  day  appointed. 

This  draft  is  therefore  made  in  pursuance  of  the  Constitu 
tion  and  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  must  be  obeyed.  Re 
sistance  to  it  is  resistance  to  the  laws  of  the  United  States. 
It  has  alread}^  been  executed  in  most  of  our  loyal  sister  States, 
and  must  be  executed  in  this  State. 

The  President  as  the  Commander-in-chief  of  the  army  of  the 
United  States,  and  of  the  militia  of  the  several  States  when 
called  into  actual  service,  has  further,  by  his  proclamation  of 
September  24th,  1862,  ordered  that  all  persons  resisting  militia 
drafts  shall  be  subject  to  courts-martial,  liable  to  trial  and 
punishment  by  courts-martial  and  military  commission. 

Resistance  to  this  draft  is  a  violation  of  law  that  will  bring- 
swift,  severe  and  condign  punishment  to  those  who  should  at 
tempt  it.  As  chief  executive  officer  of  this  State,  it  is  my 
duty  to  execute  this  draft.  A  sufficient  military  force  has  been 
employed  to  protect  the  officers  who  have  been  trusted  with 
the  execution  of  this  law  in  your  county,  to  enforce  obedience- 

[149] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl862~ 

to  it,  and  promptly  to  suppress  any  tumultuous  or  riotous  pro 
ceedings. 

I  trust  it  will  not  become  necessary  to  employ  force  in  order 
to  enforce  the  law  and  maintain  peace  in  your  community,  but 
should  it  become  necessary  I  shall  not  shrink  from  the  re 
sponsibilities  -which  the  laws  impose  upon  me.  Your  county 
and  its  several  towns  and  wards  have  been  justly  and  fairly 
treated  in  the  apportionment  of  the  number  of  men  required, 
and  leniency  was  even  shown  you  by  extension  of  time  in  order 
that  volunteers  or  substitutes  might  be  provided.  If  blood 
shed  should  occur,  the  responsibilities  must  fall  upon  the  heads 
of  those  who  resist  the  laws.  My  duty  is  to  see  them  enforced. 
The  disgraceful  scenes  that  recently  occurred  in  a  neighbor 
ing  county  shall  not  be  re-enacted  in  your  community  !94 

I  have  thus  lengthily  addressed  you,  in  order  that  those  who 
may  have  rashly  contemplated  resistance  to  the  majesty  of  the 
law,  may,  upon  reflection,  abandon  it,  and  also  to  assure  you 
that  resistance  will  be  in  vain;  misfortune,  misery  and  pun- 
ishm'ent  alone  can  follow  such  resistance.  A  government  that 
has  a  million  of  armed  men  in  the  field  to  enforce  the  laws  in  the 
revolted  states,  can  and  will  speedily  and  promptly  enforce 
them  here. 

"Wherever  resistance  to  this  draft  has  been  attempted  in  any 
other  State,  it  has  been  promptly  checked,  and  the  draft  has 
been  enforced.  Let  those  amongst  you  who  have  thought  of 
resistance,  think  of  the  consequences  that  would  overtake  them 
and  their  families,  and  if  love  of  our  country  and  regard  for 
its  laws  are  insufficient  to  check  their  madness,  let  love  for 
their  families  and  regard  for  their  own  safety  and  welfare 
check  them.  Once  more  I  call  upon  you  quietly  to  submit  to 
the  laws  of  our  country  and  its  legally  constituted  authorities.9* 


»4  The  draft  riots  in  Ozaukee  Co'unty. — ED. 

»5  No   disturbances   occurred   in    Milwaukee   County.       Cf.   Quiner, 
Military  Hist.  Wis.,  p.  147  ff. — ED. 

[150] 


i862]  DRAFT  RIOTS 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name 
and  caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed,  at  Madison, 
this  17th  day  of  November,  A.  D.  1862. 

EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor. 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 


1863.    Sixteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  14- 

April  2 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  15,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  which  he  made  the  following  allusions  to  the  war  and  the 
State's  participation  therein: 

Fellow  citizens  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

The  meeting  of  the  Legislature,  to  which  the  people  have, 
under  certain  constitutional  restrictions,  transferred  the  sov 
ereign  legislative  power  of  the  State,  is  at  all  times  an  event  of 
peculiar  interest  and  importance,  for  its  acts  often  have  a  direct 
influence,  either  for  good  or  evil,  upon  the  present  and  future 
welfare  of  the  people.  The  condition  of  our  national  affairs 
with  the  past  and  passing  events,  and  their  bearing  upon  the 
prosperity  and  happiness  of  the  people  of  this  State,  invest 
your  meeting  with  still  greater  importance.  Coming  directly 
and  fresh  from  the  people  as  their  representatives,  to  assist  in 
carrying  on  the  government  of  the  State  by  making  all  neces 
sary  and  needful  laws,  you  will  be  m'ore  familiar  with  the 
wishes  and  sentiments  of  those  whom  you  represent,  and  many 
subjects  of  grave  importance  will  undoubtedly  present  them 
selves  for  action,  requiring  our  best  efforts  to  do  justice  to  the 
trust  reposed  in  us  by  our  common  constituents. 

GENERAL   CONDITION,   COMMERCE,   AGRICULTURE,    MANUFACTURES 

Our  State  has,  during  the  past  year,  with  the  single  excep 
tion  of  a  serious  disturbance,  in  one  of  the  counties,96  enjoyed 
peace  in  its  borders,  and  been  free  from  the  horrors  of  war 


96  See  ante,  p.  148,  note  92. — ED. 


i863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

surrounding  us  and  interrupting  the  quiet  of  many   of   our 
sister  States. 

Our  commerce,  which,  in  common  with  that  of  all  other 
States,  has  suffered  much  for  years  from  the  effects  of  the  fi 
nancial  and  commercial  crisis  of  1857,  has,  during  the  past 
year,  even  under  the  disadvantages  of  the  war,  been  prosperous, 
and  is  now  conducted  on  a  safer  basis  than  it  was  before  1857,. 
when  the  spirit  of  speculation  and  an  unsound  and  too  ex 
tensive  system  of  credit  led  to  the  financial  ruin  of  many. 
The  opening  of  the  Mississippi,  in  which,  with  other  States, 
we  have  a  direct  interest  even  beyond  that  which  the  nation  in 
general  feels  in  the  free  passage  of  that  great  national  thorough 
fare,  would  give  new  and  additional  life  to  our  commerce.  It 
is  to  be  hoped  that  the  great  efforts  which  are  now  made  by 
our  western  army  will  speedily  accomplish  the  work  that  has 
so  long  been  interrupted,  and  will,  by  freeing  the  Mississippi 
from  the  obstructions  of  the  enemy  and  bringing  it  under  our 
control,  deal  a  decisive  blow  to  the  rebellion  and  procure  direct 
relief  to  the  great  loyal  West.97 


ENLARGEMENT    OP    ERIE    CANAL    AND    POX    AND    WISCONSIN    RIVER 

IMPROVEMENT 

In  this  connection  I  desire  to  call  your  attention  to  the  efforts 
which  are  now  being  made  to  procure  an  enlargement  of  the 
Erie  canal  by  the  National  Government,  which  measure  I  under 
stand  is  now  before  Congress,  as  one  of  military  necessity.98 


97  The  capture  of  Island  No.  Ten  and  New  Orleans,  in  April,  1862, 
and  the  reduction  of  Fort  Pillow  and  Memphis  in  June,  left  the  Con 
federates  in  control  of  the  Mississippi  only  at  Vicksburg  and  its 
environs.  The  opening  of  the  river  was  completed  in  July  of  1863  with 
the  capitulation  of  Vicksburg  and  Port  Hudson.  Cf.  John  Fiske,  The 
Mississippi  Valley  in  the  Civil  War  (Boston,  1900). — ED. 

»s  Consult  37th  Cong.,  3d  sess.,  Congressional  Globe  (Washington, 
1863).— ED. 

[153] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

1  cannot  more  pointedly  show  the  importance  of  such  an  en 
largement  to  our  agricultural  interests  and  commerce,  than  by 
quoting  a  few  passages  from  a  letter  addressed  by  the  President 
•of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  Company  to  the  President  of 
the  State  Agricultural  Society  of  Illinois  on  that  subject,  of 
which  a  copy  was  sent  to  me:  "The  cultivation  of  the  most 
fertile  land  in  the  world  is  almost  rendered  unprofitable  through 
the  unnecessary  expense  of  handling  and  transferring  our 
crops  to  tide- water.  We  are  confined  to  a  narrow  water  course. 
The  Erie  canal  sufficed  when  the  Northwest  sent  fifty  millions 
of  bushels  of  grain,  but  is  utterly  inadequate  in  taking  off  our 
present  surplus  of  upwards  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  millions 
of  bushels.  It  is  almost  idle  to  extend  the  internal  improve 
ments  of  the  Northwest  or  to  urge  the  farmers  to  produce  more, 
Awhile  every  acre  cultivated  adds  to  the  volume  of  business 
which  already  chokes  the  narrow  channels  of  the  Erie  canal 
^nd  three  trunk  lines  of  railway.  A  broad  water  course  from 
Lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson,  through  which  our  lake  vessels  can 
float  without  breaking  bulk,  will  cheapen  the  cost  of  transpor 
tation  to  the  point  at  which  we  can  supply  the  European  mar 
kets  profitably  under  all  circumstances/'  This  letter,  which 
contains  many  valuable  suggestions,  I  will  lay  before  any  com 
mittee  you  may  appoint  on  this  subject. 

The  enlargement  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  River  Improve 
ment,  so  as  to  make  it  of  a  capacity  suitable  for  the  passage  of 
gun  boats,  will  also,  I  learn,  occupy  the  attention  of  our  na 
tional  legislature.  Its  importance  to  our  State  can  scarcely 
be  overrated.  The  Improvement  is  now,  as  is  claimed  by  the 
company  charged  with  its  building,  nearly  completed  in  the 
manner  required  by  the  laws  of  this  State  and  the  stipulations 
of  that  company,  and  is  at  present  the  only  direct  navigable 
water  communication  between  the  Mississippi  and  the  great 
western  lakes." 


»9  See  J.  B.  Sanborn,  "The  Story  of  the  Fox-Wisconsin  Rivers  Im 
provement,"  in  Wis.  Hist.  Soc.  Proceedings,  1899  (Madison,  1900),  pp. 
186-194.— ED.  j 

[154] 


1863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

I  would  respectfully  suggest  that  you  memorialize  Congress 
upon  these  two  important  national  improvements,  and  call  the 
.attention  of  our  Representatives  in  Congress  thereto.1 


WAR  FUND 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  transactions  of  the  War 
Fund  during  the  calendar  year: 

Balance  on  hand  Dec.  31st,  1861 $50,227  09 

Heceipts   757,700  98 


Total  amount  $809,928  07 

Disbursements    760,929  72 


Balance  in  treasury  Dec.  31st,  1862 $46,998  35 

The  receipts  in  this  fund  are  made  up  mainly  of  money  re 
ceived  on  sales  of  State  bonds  and  advances  made  by  the  United 
'States  upon  the  claims  of  the  State  for  war  expenditure.  The 
amount  of  these  claims  sent  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 
for  examination  and  adjustment,  is  up  to  the  present  time 
$125,349  57. 
Of  this  amount  there  has  been  refunded  to  the  state  and 

passed  to  the  War  Fund $577,800  72 

Applied  in  payment  of  the  direct  tax  due  from  the  state 441,735  37 


Total  amount  refunded $1,019,546  09 

Leaving  due  the  state  the  sum  of 105,803  48 


i  In  response  to  this  recommendation,  a  memorial  and  a  joint 
resolution  were  presented  to  Congress — the  first  urging  the  improve 
ment  for  military  reasons,  the  second  for  economic  reasons;  see  Wis. 
Gen.  Laws,  1863,  Mem.  no.  1,  and  Ibid,  Jt.  Res.  no.  5.  A  bill  providing 
for  the  enlargement  of  the  Erie  Canal  and  the  improvement  of  the 
Pox  and  Wisconsin  rivers  was  shortly  after  presented  to  the  Senate 
toy  Senator  Doolittle  of  Wisconsin;  a  similar  bill  was  introduced  in 
the  House  by  Congressman  Allison  of  Iowa.  Congress,  however,  took 
no  action. — ED. 

[155] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863~ 

It  is  a  source  of  great  gratification  to  me  that,  in  addition  to- 
the  settlement  of  the  direct  tax  due  from  the  State  and  amount 
ing  originally  to  the  sum  of  $519,688  66,  but  reduced  15  per 
cent,  on  account  of  having  our  vouchers  filed  in  proper  time, 
I  was  enabled  to  obtain  an  advance  sufficient  from  the  General 
Government  upon  our  unsettled  claims  to  enable  the  State  to 
discharge  all  its  outstanding  indebtedness  on  account  of  war 
expenses  of  last  year.  Under  the  great  pressure  of  business 
and  the  vast  transactions  of  the  U.  S.  treasury  department, 
the  examination  and  settlement  of  these  State  claims  progress 
but  very  slowly,  and  great  embarrassment  would  have  resulted 
to  the  State  and  its  creditors,  had  these  liberal  advances  not 
obviated  the  difficulties.  No  further  advance  can  however  now 
be  counted  upon,  as  the  margin  left  for  accounts  that  may  not 
be  allowed  is  already  a  very  small  one,  and  as  the  financial 
embarrassments  of  the  General  Government  would  also  pre 
vent  further  advances. 

The  sources  of  income,  then,  to  meet  the  expenditures  of  this 
fund  during  the  present  year  will  be  confined  to  the  tax  of 
$275,000  provided  at  the  extra  session  of  last  year,  and  such 
other  provisions  as  may  be  made  by  you  to  meet  the  demands 
upon  this  fund.  These  demands  will  be  large,  and  in  addi 
tion  to  the  necessary  expenses  of  our  military  department,  of 
state  surgeons  for  cavalry  and  artillery,  and  of  taking  care  of 
our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  will  mainly  consist  of  the  ex 
tra  pay  of  $5  per  month  allowed  to  the  soldiers,  who  have  fam 
ilies  dependent  upon  them.  It  is  estimated  that  this  will  re 
quire  $60,000  per  month.  The  special  tax  of  $275,000  will 
probably  be  exhausted  in  the  month  of  March  or  April.  The 
State  of  Wisconsin  cannot  permit  the  families  of  her  brave 
soldiers  to  suffer  for  want  of  this  additional  pay — it  should  not 
be  discontinued ;  but  I  know  of  no  way  in  which  the  money  neces 
sary  for  this  purpose  can  be  procured  except  by  an  additional 
loan.  This  subject  will  undoubtedly  receive  your  most  care- 


l863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

ful  consideration,  and  you  will  adopt  such,  measures  as  your 
wisdom  may  dictate.2 

I  will  close  this  short  financial  review  by  stating  that  on  the 
31st  day  of  December,  1862,  there  was  in  the  treasury  as  the 
whole  amount  of  balance  on  hand,  in  all  the  different  funds,  the 
sum  of  $291,424  65. 


STATE  UNIVERSITY 

The  condition  of  the  State  University  in  an  educational  point 
of  view,  during  the  past  year  has  been  very  satisfactory.  Al 
though,  a  large  number  of  the  students  have  exchanged  the 
musket  and  sword  for  their  books  and  studies,  and  are  serving 
our  country  in  the  ranks  of  the  army,  the  number  of  students 
during  the  summer  term  was  not  much  less  than  last  year,  and 
the  number  now  in  attendance  I  learn  is  larger  than  at  any 
previous  winter  term.  The  University  has  able  Professors,  and 
as  an  institution  of  learning  is  a  credit  to  the  State.3 

###*#### 

I  feel  it  also  my  duty  to  urge  upon  you  again  the  propriety 
of  engrafting  upon  the  University  a  professorship  of  military 
engineering  and  tactics,  that  our  young  men  may  have  an  op 
portunity  of  studying  military  science,  a  study  unfortunately 
too  long  neglected  in  the  Northern  States,  and  the  necessity  of 
which  has  become  so  apparent  during  our  present  national 
struggle.4 


2Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1863,  chap.  139,  provided  for  a  special  tax  of 
$200,000  to  be  used  for  the  relief  of  families  of  volunteers. — ED. 

s  The  total  enrollment  of  the  State  University  for  the  scholastic 
year  1861-62  was  129,  of  whom  twenty-six  entered  the  army.  Military 
drill  was  maintained  by  the  students  for  two-thirds  of  the  year.  See  Uni 
versity  of  Wisconsin,  Report  of  Regents  (Madison,  1862),  app.  C. — ED. 

*  Military  instruction  was  provided  for  in  the  State  University  by 
Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1866,  chap.  114. — ED. 

[  157  ] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1863- 


NUMBER  OF  TROOPS  RAISED  FOR  THE  WAR,  &C. 

Aside  from  the  first  regiment  for  three  months,  Wisconsin: 
had  on  the  first  of  January,  1862,  organized,  equipped  and 
sent  to  the  field  in  response  to  calls  made  from  the  General 
Government,  ten  regiments  of  infantry,  one  company  of  cav 
alry  and  one  company  of  sharp  shooters,  and  there  were  then 
remaining  in  the  State,  organized  or  in  process  of  organization 
and  nearly  completed,  nine  regiments  of  infantry,  three  regi 
ments  of  cavalry,  and  ten  batteries  of  artillery,  which  were  all 
completed,  and  with  two  additional  batteries,  sent  to  the  field 
during  last  winter  and  spring.  Under  orders  from  the  War 
Department  all  recruiting  for  new  as  well  as  old  regiments  had 
ceased  during  last  spring,  when  it  became  apparent  that  the 
gigantic  efforts  of  the  enemy,  and  losses  and  diminution  of  our 
own  forces  made  an  increase  of  the  national  army  necessary. 
On  the  2d  day  of  May,  1862,  a  call  was  made  for  75,000  men, 
for  which  one  regiment  was  required  from  our  State,  the  or 
ganization  of  which  was  immediately  commenced.  Owing  how 
ever  to  the  previously  mistaken  policy  of  stopping  all  recruit 
ing,  which  had  the  effect  of  turning  the  attention  of  those  who 
shortly  before  were  willing  and  anxious  to  volunteer  in  their 
country's  defence,  to  other  pursuits,  and  of  engendering  the 
belief  that  the  necessities  of  the  government  would  not  re 
quire  an  increase  of  the  army  to  overthrow  the  rebellion,  the 
organization  of  this  regiment  proceeded  very  slowly.  On  the 
second  day  of  July,  1862,  another  call  was  made  by  the  Presi 
dent  for  300,000  additional  volunteers,  and  I  was  notified  that 
Wisconsin  was  required  to  furnish  five  regiments  of  infantry 
as  a  part  of  its  quota  under  this  call.  In  order  to  insure  the 
speedy  organization  of  these  troops,  I  divided  the  State  into 
five  regimental  districts  as  nearly  equal  as  possible  in  the  num 
ber  of  inhabitants,  requesting  the  organization  of  one  regi 
ment  in  each  district,  and  all  possible  efforts  were  made  again 
to  arouse  the  patriotism  of  the  people  to  the  new  and  pressing^ 


1863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

demands  of  the  country.  New  York  and  other  States  com 
menced  a  system  of  offering  State  bounties  to  facilitate  the* 
raising  of  troops,  and  arrangements  were  made  by  me  to  pro 
cure  a  similar  bounty  in  this  State  by  private  contributions 
and  loans  to  be  made  upon  the  faith  that  the  legislature  would 
subsequently  authorize  the  repayment  of  the  money  so  raised. 
Before,  however,  the  necessary  preliminary  arrangements  for 
the  collection  and  proper  application  of  the  funds  for  this  in 
tended  State  bounty  were  completed,  on  the  4th  day  of  August, 
1862,  the  President  of  the  United  States  required  an  additional 
force  of  300,000  drafted  militia  to  be  furnished  immediately, 
and  ordered  that  if  any  of  the  States  should  not  have  furnished 
their  quota  of  volunteers  under  the  previous  call  by  the  fif 
teenth  of  August,  a  draft  should  be  made  to  fill  the  deficiency. 
The  short  time  thus  allowed  for  volunteering  made  the  plan 
of  procuring  and  offering  a  State  bounty  wholly  impracticable, 
and  it  had  to  be  abandoned,  nor  was  there  any  necessity  then 
to  resort  to  such  measures,  as  by  the  urgent,  large  and  swiftly 
succeeding  calls  of  the  government,  the  well-known  condition  of 
our  army  in  the  field,  and  the  stringent  measures  adopted  to 
secure  its  immediate  increase,  the  patriotism  of  the  people  was 
kindled  anew  in  such  a  measure  that  war  became  the  business 
of  the  whole  people;  commercial,  agricultural  and  other  ordin 
ary  pursuits  almost  ceased  for  a  time;  crops  were  left  ungath- 
ered  in  the  fields,  and  although  the  time  was  the  most  unfav 
orable  one  in  our  State,  when  the  largest  part  of  the  people 
were  engaged  with  the  harvest  and  could  ill  afford  to  spare  the 
laborers  that  were  to  be  so  suddenly  and  in  so  large  a  number 
transferred  from  the  harvest  to  the  battle  field,  yet  with  un 
precedented  zeal,  disregarding  all  other  ties  and  engagements, 
did  the  people  of  the  State  rally  to  the  nation's  call  for  help. 
When  the  call  for  300,000  drafted  militia  was  announced  to  me 
by  the  Secretary  of  War,  I  was  advised  that  for  any  excess  of 
troops  previously  furnished  by  the  State  credit  should  be  given, 
and  subsequently  that  the  number  of  drafted  militia  required 
from  Wisconsin  was  11,904.  Upon  my  repeated  inquiries 

'  [159] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863~ 

whether  the  five  regiments  of  infantry  demanded  under  the 
call  of  300,000  volunteers  constituted  our  entire  quota  under 
that  call,  no  answer  was  returned  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 
As  the  time  for  furnishing  volunteers  for  both  calls  was  lim 
ited  to  the  fifteenth  of  August,  and  as  the  people  of  the  several 
counties  in  the  State  were  mostly  anxious  to  furnish  the  re 
quired  number  for  the  600,000  men  by  volunteers,  and  thus 
be  exempt  from  draft,  or  at  least  reduce  the  number  of  those 
to  be  drafted,  it  became  necessary  to  assign  to  each  county  its 
quota  of  men,  which  was  accordingly  done,  upon  the  supposi 
tion,  induced  by  the  several  orders  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 
that  our  entire  quota  was  5,000  under  the  call  of  300,000  volun 
teers,  and  11,904  under  the  call  for  300,000  drafted  militia,  ac 
counting  for  the  discrepancy  between  the  two  numbers  by  the 
excess  of  about  4,000  men,  which  I  believed  the  State  had  pre 
viously  furnished.  Subsequently  to  the  assignment  of  ,the  re 
spective  quotas  to  the  counties,  an  order  was  made  by  the  War 
Department  that  the  old  regiments,  which  had  been  much  deci 
mated,  must  also  be  filled,  and  that  if  not  filled  by  the  first  of 
September  a  special  draft  would  be  ordered  for  the  deficiency, 
and  afterwards  I  was  informed  that  the  number  required  to  fill 
our  old  regiments  was  5,904.  From  the  nature  and  language 
of  the  order,  I  construed  this  to  be  an  additional  call  to  the 
600,000  men,  but  the  peculiar  coincidence  in  numbers  led  to 
repeated  inquiries  on  my  part  as  to  the  true  quota  of  the  State 
under  all  calls,  and  to  correspondence  with  the  War  Depart 
ment,  which  disclosed  the  fact  that  the  department  considered 
our  quota  under  each  of  the'  two  last  calls  to  be  11,904,  i.  e. 
23,808;  that  the  number  required  for  old  regiments,  if  fur 
nished,  might  be  credited  upon  this  number;  but  also  that,  ow 
ing  undoubtedly  to  incomplete  returns  at  the  office  of  the  Ad 
jutant  General  in  Washington,  we  had  received  credit  only  for 
21,000  men  previously  furnished,  while  according  to  our  own 
records  we  had  sent  to  the  field  24,800  men,  and  had  thus  failed 
to  receive  credit  for  3,800.  Deducting  these  from  the  23,808 
would  leave  our  real  quota  20,008  men  instead  of  16,808,  as- 

[160] 


I863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

sumed  as  the  true  number  in  making  the  apportionment  among 
the  counties.  Inasmuch  as  this  error  arose  by  erroneous  and 
insufficient  information  received  from  the  War  Department — • 
owing  undoubtedly  to  the  great  pressure  of  business  in  that 
department,  and  perhaps  also  to  omissions  or  mistakes  in  tele 
graphic  communications — and  because  it  would  have  been  un 
just  in  my  opinion,  to  have  increased  the  quotas  of  the  counties 
after  they  had  once  been  assigned  and  acted  upon  (for  this  in 
formation  was  not  received  until  after  the  time  for  volunteer 
ing,  except  for  old  regiments,  had  expired),  I  did  not  feel  at 
liberty  to  make  any  change  in  the  quotas  as  once  assigned,  and 
so  informed  the  department. 

After  the  call  for  drafted  militia,  the  20th  regiment  was 
speedily  filled,  and  up  to  the  22d  day  of  August,  to  which  day 
volunteering  had  been  extended,  the  number  of  volunteers  re 
ported,  warranted  the  organization  of  thirteen  new  regiments, 
numbering  from  21  to  33  inclusive.  Two  of  these  regiments 
were,  however,  deficient  in  number  but  I  succeeded  in  obtaining 
a  special  order  from  the  War  Department  authorizing  the  re 
cruiting  for  these  two  regiments  to  complete  them,  the  govern 
ment  paying  advance  bounty  and  advance  pay.  Of  these  the 
31st  has  since  been  completed,  fand  is  mustered  into  the  U.  S. 
service,  ready  to  be  sent  to  the  field,  and  the  27th  lacks  but  few 
men  and  will  also  soon  be  mustered. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  policy  of  the  General  Govern 
ment  did  not  permit  them  to  extend  volunteering  beyond  the 
22d  day  of  August,  except  for  old  regiments,  as  otherwise  the 
State  would  probably  have  furnished  the  required  number  of 
men  in  volunteers.  I  very  urgently  and  repeatedly  asked  for 
such  an  extension,  assigning  fully  the  reasons  and  especially  the 
fact  that  a  large  number  of  persons  were  at  that  time  engaged 
in  harvesting,  our  State  being  mainly  agricultural,  and  our 
harvest  late.  The  principal  reason  of  the  refusal  probably  was 
the  hope  that  the  old  regiments  might  thus  be  filled. 


11  [  161  ] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863~ 


THE    DRAFT 

Prior  to  the  execution  of  the  draft,  it  became  necessary  to 
enroll  the  militia.  The  enrollment  required  to  be  made  by  the 
assessors  under  our  State  laws,5  had  never  been  properly  mader 
and  could  not  be  relied  upon  for  the  purposes  of  the  draft. 
Hence  I  caused  an  enrollment  to  be  made  under  orders  from 
the  "War  Department,  by  appointing  the  Sheriffs  enrolling  offi 
cers,  requiring  the  lists  to  be  publicly  exposed  for  correction 
for  three  days  in  every  town  and  ward  of  a  city  or  village.  I 
have  thus  secured  a  reasonably  accurate  enrollment;  and  in 
those  towns  and  wards  only  where  the  people  did  not  take  suffi 
cient  interest  in  the  matter  to  examine  and  see  to  the  correct 
ness  of  the  rolls  when  exposed,  or  in  a  few  localities  where  the 
deputies  appointed  by  the  Sheriffs  did  not  do  their  duty  and 
omitted  to  expose  the  rolls  for  examination,  is  the  enrollment 
very  defective.  This  enrollment  shows  127,894  men  liable  to 
military  duty,  of  which  28,012  were  exempt  by  the  commis 
sioners  for  disability  and  other  causes  under  existing  laws 
and  regulations.  Judging,  however,  from  the  experience  in  the 
late  draft,  it  is  safe  to  presume  that  one-fourth  part  of  those 
left  on  the  rolls  are  entitled  to  exemption,  they  having  failed 
to  apply  to  the  Commissioners  in  proper  time.  The  number 
above  given  does  not  include  the  volunteers  now  in  the  army, 
except  a  few  thousands  who  have  since  volunteered.  As  soon 
as  the  enrollment  was  completed,  the  draft  was  ordered  in  all 
the  counties  that  had  failed  to  fill  their  quota  by  volunteers, 
and  was  executed  on  or  immediately  after  the  10th  day  of 
November,  except  in  the  county  of  Manitowoc,  where  the  Com 
missioner  for  drafting  was  absent,  and  where,  upon  being  satis 
fied  that  gross  injustice  would  be  done  to  the  people  of  that 
county  by  the  improper  action  of  the  examining  surgeon,  I 
caused  a  re-examination  of  the  enrolled  militia  to  be  made. 


*  See  Wls.  Rev.  Statutes,  1858,  chap.  31,  sec.  6,  and  Gen.  Laws,  1868, 
chap.  242,  sec.  8. — ED. 

[162] 


I863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

This  is  now  completed,  and  the  draft  will  soon  be  perfected  in 
that  county.  Excluding  Manitowoc  county,  there  have  been 
drafted  4,455  men. 

Of  these  were  discharged  on  account  of  errors  in  the  quotas 299 

Reported  in  camps  of  rendezvous   2 , 341 

Subsequently  discharged  for  disability  and  other  causes  of  ex 
emption,  about   1 , 000 

Leaving  1,285 

Of  which  491  have  volunteered  for  old  regiments  and  in  the 
27th  and  31st.  The  balance  have  been  organized  in  companies 
and  assigned  to  the  34th  regiment.  Those  who  have  not  re 
ported  are  considered  as  deserters,  and  their  names  have  been 
furnished  to  the  U.  S.  Special  Provost  Marshal,  on  whom  de 
volves  the  duty  of  arresting  them,  as  well  as  other  deserters 
from  the  army. 

This  result  show's  that  there  are  intrinsic  errors  in  the  regu 
lations  under  which  this  draft  had  to  be  made.  Conscription  is 
in  my  judgment  the  best,  the  true  and  proper  manner  of  call 
ing  into  the  field  the  military  power  of  a  country ;  but  in  order 
to  be  effective,  it  should  be  governed  by  just,  wise  and  proper 
regulations.  Under  the  present  law6  and  orders  of  the  War 
Department  the  man  who  is  already  beyond  the  prime  of  his 
life,  whose  constitution  has  been  impaired  by  privations  and 
hard  labor,  who  has  a  large  family  dependent  upon  him  for 
their  daily  bread,  who  by  his  industry  and  daily  labor  adds  to 
the  material  wealth  of  the  country,  is  as  liable  to  be  called  out 
as  the  young  man  in  the  vigor  of  life,  with  no  one  dependent 
upon  him  for  support.  "We  should  profit  by  the  laws  of  other 
nations  and  let  history  teach  us  by  the  examples  it  furnishes. 
Napoleon 's  famous  armies,  raised  by  conscription,  were  made 
up  of  young  men.  At  the  extra  session  in  September  last,  I 
called  the  attention  of  the  Legislature  to  the  necessity  of  mak- 


«  Act  of  Congress,  March  3,  1863. — ED. 

[163] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

ing  State  laws  and  regulations  upon  the  subject  of  drafting. 
They  were  not  then  acted  upon,  but  experience  must  have  since 
convinced  many  how  necessary  such  laws  will  become  should 
we  be  required  to  furnish  more  troops.  I  then  recommended  that 
at  least  two  classes  should  be  made,  the  first  to  consist  of  those 
between  18  and  35  years  of  age,  and  the  second  of  those  be 
tween  35  and  45  years  old,  the  second  not  to  be  called  upon 
until  the  fiist  stolid  have  been  exhausted.  Perhaps  even  three 
classes  might  properly  be  made,  in  order  to  insure  first  the  ser 
vices  of  those  in  the  field  whose  labor  at  home  might  be  most 
easily  spared.  Proper  rules  for  exemption  in  cases  of  great 
hardship  should  also  exist.  Had  such  regulations  been  in  force 
at  the  last  draft,  much  of  its  apparent  harshness,  much  of  the 
suffering  it  now  creates,  and  much  of  the  opposition  to  it,  would 
not  have  appeared.  The  manner  of  deciding  upon  exemptions 
from  military  service  should  also  be  changed.  Commissioners 
might  be  appointed  to  go  from  county  to  county  to  execute  the 
draft,  consisting  of  surgeons  to  examine  the  persons  after  they 
are  drafted,  and  one  or  more  commissioners  to  pass  upon  the 
claims  of  exemption.  If  a  person  drafted  should  be  rejected, 
another  might  be  drawn  in  his  stead  immediately.  This  would 
insure  the  required  number,  while  it  would  probably  obviate 
many  of  the  complaints  made  on  the  ground  that  different  rules 
of  exemption  had  been  adopted  by  the  many  different  com 
missioners  and  surgeons.  Strict  regulations  should  also  be 
made  to  prevent  an  evasion  of  the  draft  by  persons  liable  to  it 
leaving  the  State  immediately  prior  or  subsequently  to  the 
draft.  A  system  of  passports  for  a  short  time  would  seem  to 
be  necessary.  All  such  regulations,  enacted  by  the  direct  rep 
resentatives  of  the  people  in  their  State  Legislature,  would 
command  more  ready  obedience  and  acquiescence.  I  most 
urgently  recommend  that  you  take  this  matter  under  your 
consideration  and  enact  such  laws  upon  the  subject  as  in  your 
wisdom  may  be  just,  effective,  and  as  little  oppressive  as  cir 
cumstances  will  permit.  I  hope  and  trust  that  the  army  now 


1863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

gallantly  facing  the  enemy,  or  ready  to  leave  for  the  field  of 
conflict,  may  be  sufficient  in  numbers  to  end  the  war,  but  the 
past  has  taught  us  that  we  are  often  deceived  in  our  hopes,  and 
that  we  should  be  prepared  for  future  emergencies.7 

It  becomes  my  painful  duty  here  to  mention  that  serious  dis 
turbances  took  place  in  one  of  the  counties  in  this  State  at 
the  time  of  the  execution  of  the  draft  therein.8  The  proceed 
ings  of  the  draft  were  interrupted  by  a  large  and  numerous 
body  of  armed  men,  who  destroyed  the  militia  rolls  and  ballot 
boxes,  drove  away  and  maltreated  the  commissioner  of  draft 
ing,  demolished  his  house,  injured  many  other  peaceable  and 
law  abiding  citizens  and  destroyed  the  property  of  many  per 
sons  who  were  obnoxious  to  them.  On  being  advised  of  these 
disgraceful  proceedings,  which  bore  the  character  of  open  re 
bellion,  I  took  prompt  measures  to  restore  peace  and  enforce 
the  draft.  A  large  number  o^f  persons,  most  of  them  taken  with 
arms  in  their  hands,  were  arrested  by  and  turned  over  to  the 
United  States  military  authorities  that  they  might  be  dealt 
with  as  ordered  by  the  proclamation  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States  of  September  25th,  ordering  that  all  persons  re- 
sisting  militia  drafts  should  be  tried  by  courts  martial  or  mili 
tary  commission;  and  I  urged  immediately  and  repeatedly 
upon  the  President  the  necessity  of  giving  them  a  speedy  trial,, 
as  provided  by  his  proclamation.9  I  have  entertained  no  doubt 


7  A  complete  system  of  draft  regulations  was  provided  for  by  Wls. 
Gen.  Laws,  1863,  chap.  242;  cf.  also  Act  of  Congress,  March  3,  1863r 
sec.  3. — ED. 

s  See  ante,  p.  148,  note  92. — ED. 

a  About  130  of  the  rioters  were  tried  and  convicted  by  the  provost 
court.  They  were  placed  under  guard  at  Camp  Randall,  but  after  an 
imprisonment  of  a  few  months,  were  informally  released  by  the 
Federal  government. 

Two  interesting  legal  cases  grew  out  of  the  Ozaukee  arrests.  The 
first,  which  was  destined  to  attract  national  attention,  was  In  re 


[165] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON 

of  the  power  of  the  President  to  subject  to  trial  by  courts 
martial  men  who,  as  in  this  case,  are  charged  with  openly  re 
sisting  the  proceedings  of  the  draft.  They  were  actually  in 
rebellion  against  the  government  of  the  United  States;  they 
were  forcibly  resisting  regulations  lawfully  and  constitution 
ally  made  by  the  President  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  army, 
and  of  the  militia  of  the  United  States,  called  into  active  serv 
ice  to  suppress  insurrection,  and  their  proceedings  were  insur 
rectionary  in  their  character.  Should  I  have  erred  in  this,  it 
has  been  in  common  with  many  wiser  and  true  men,  and  under 
circumstances  of  necessity  demanding  prompt  and  immediate 
action  on  my  part,  to  restore  quiet,  and  save  greater  calamities 

Kemp,  16  Wis.,  p.  628.  Kemp,  one  of  the  alleged  rioters,  while  im 
prisoned  at  Camp  Randall,  sued  out  (Dec.  4,  1862)  a  writ  of  habeas 
corpus  in  the  Wisconsin  Supreme  Court.  It  was  disregarded  by  Gen. 
W.  L».  Elliot,  the  commanding  officer,  on  the  ground  that  President 
Lincoln  had  authorized  the  suspension  of  the  writ  in  «ases  of  public 
necessity.  The  matter  came  up  for  decision  in  the  Wisconsin  Supreme 
Court  on  Jan.  13,  1863,  where  it  was  held  that  only  Congress  had  the 
power  to  suspend  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  in  places  where  war  did 
not  exist.  Such  a.  decision  called  for  immediate  attention,  coming 
as  it  did  from  a  court  avowedly  friendly  to  the  administration  and 
at  a  time  when  Northern  Democrats  were  making  political  capital 
out  of  the  habeas  corpus  controversy  in  preparation  for  the  coming 
presidential  election.  Congress,  therefore,  two  months  later,  passed 
a  law  authorizing  the  President  to  suspend  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus 
at  any  time  during  the  war  when  he  should  consider  such  a  measure 
necessary.  See  J.  B.  Winslow,  Story  of  a  Great  Court  (Chicago,  1912), 
p.  184  ff. 

The  second  case  (Druecker  vs.  Salomon,  21  Wis.,  p.  382)  arose  in 
1867,  after  the  war.  Druecker,  who  had  been  held  at  Camp  Randall 
for  about  three  months,  brought  suit  against  Governor  Salomon  for 
false  imprisonment.  It  was  an  appeal  from  one  of  the  lower  State 
courts,  in  which  the  decision  had  gone  against  Druecker.  Tlie  Su 
preme  Court  sustained  the  decision  of  the  lower  court. — ED. 


166 


1863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

-and  disturbances.  By  bad  and  designing  men  the  enforcement 
of  the  draft  in  that  county  had  been  made  so  odious,  the  spirit 
of  resistance  had  been  raised  to  such  an  alarming  extent,  that 
the  civil  authorities  had  not  and  could  not  have  the  slightest 
control  over  the  armed  mob.  Of  the  power  of  the  civil  law, 
there  was  no  fear  in  the  minds  of  these  men;  no  indictment  by 
a  grand  jury  could,  under  the  terror  in  which  they  would  hold 
public  opinion,  probably  be  found  against  them  for  the  riot, 
destruction  of  property  and  injury  to  persons;  much  less  that 
a  petit  jury  could  be  found  to  convict  any  of  them.  This  also 
shows  the  necessity  of  State  laws  upon  the  subject  of  drafting, 
so  that  the  authority  of  the  Executive  in  enforcing  conscription 
may  not  be  questioned,  and  that  those  who  should  attempt  re 
sistance  may  be  punished  under  the  laws  of  the  State. 

The  execution  of  the  draft  was  no  enviable  duty,  but  it  was 
one  from  which  I  could  not  shrink  without  violating  my  duty 
to  the  State,  the  Government  and  the  Constitution  and  laws  of 
the  United  States.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
gives  Congress  the  power  to  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia 
to  execute  the  laws  of  the  Union,  suppress  insurrection  and  repel 
Invasion.  Congress  accordingly  authorized  the  President  to  call 
forth  the  militia,  or  a  part  of  it,  for  nine  m'onths,  and  to  make 
all  "necessary  rules  and  regulations "  "for  enrolling  the 
militia,"  and  "otherwise  putting  the  act  into  execution."10  And 
the  President  did  call  it  out,  made  the  necessary  rules,  and  re 
quired  Wisconsin  to  furnish  its  number.  Laws  are  made  to  be 
executed,  not  to  be  avoided  and  disregarded.  I  have  simply 
done  my  duty  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  leaving  it  to  the  candid 
judgment  of  the  people  to  uphold  me  in  its  execution  against 
the  aspersions  of  those  who,  having  first  discouraged  voluntary 
enlistments,  claim  that  I  am  responsible  for  the  hardships  aris 
ing,  in  many  instances,  from  this  conscription. 


10  See  Act  of  Congress,  July  17,  1862. — ED. 

[167] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [1863- 

Including  the  regiments  yet  in  the  State,  Wisconsin  has  fur 
nished  to  the  U.  S.  Government,  during  the  present  war, 
one1  regiment  of  infantry  for  three  months,  (810  men), 
thirty-three  regiments  of  infantry,  three  regiments  of  cav 
alry,  thirteen  batteries  of  artillery,  one  company  of  cavalry, 
and  one  company  of  sharpshooters,  enlisted  for  three?  years 

or  during  the  war.     Total  38,511 

Recruits  for  old  regiments  2 , 155 

Drafted  militia  in  camps 795- 

Militia  not  yet  reported,  including  those  considered  as  desert 
ers,  and  those  to  be  drafted  in  Manitowoc  county 2,279 

Aggregate  43,740 

Our  quota  under  all  the  calls,  giving  us  credit  for  the  excess 
furnished  before  the  call  of  July  2d,  is  44,661,  showing  that, 
in  order  to  fill  our  quota,  the  State  will  have  to  furnish  yet  921 
men,  which  should  be  by  enlistments  for  old  regiments,  which 
it  is  hoped  will  be  furnished  in  that  way.  It  is,  however,  proper 
to  mention  that  the  enrollment  made  by  the  sheriffs  shows  that 
we  have  furnished  41,529  men,  which,  in  addition  to  the  results 
of  the  draft,  would  be  433  more  than  our  quota.  This  discrep 
ancy  arises  to  some  extent,  undoubtedly,  from  repetitions  of 
names  on  the  sheriffs'  enrollments;  but  it  is  also  not  unlikely 
that  our  regiments  in  the  field  have  failed  to  make  complete  re 
turns  to  the  Adjutant  General's  office  of  the  number  of  new 
recruits  they  have  received,  and  that  the  deficiency  is  actually 
much  less  than  above  stated.  Considering  the  large  number  of 
foreigners  in  our  State  not  liable  to  military  duty,  Wisconsin 
has  certainly  done  its  full  share  of  furnishing  troops  in  tl 
war,  although  it  may  yet  be  short  a  few  hundred  men. 

As  appears  from  reports  made  to  the  Adjutant  General's 
office,  the  total  loss  of  our  troops  in  the  field  by  deaths,  dis 
charges  and  desertions,  was  on  the  first  of  December,  7,875 ;  the 
largest  part  of  this  loss  arises,  undoubtedly,  from  discharges 
and  desertions.  The  report  of  the  Adjutant  General  will  fur- 


[168 


1 863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

nish  you  particular  information  on  these  and  other  points  in 
connection  with  our  military  affairs. 

In  the  organization  of  new  regiments  I  adopted  the  plan  of 
promoting  meritorious  and  experienced  officers  of  older  regi 
ments,  thus  rewarding  merit  and  giving  the  new  regiments  ex 
perienced  field  officers.  I  regret  that  by  a  peremptory  order  of 
the  "War  Department,  which  I  with  many  other  Governors  in 
vain  remonstrated  against,  refusing  to  discharge  officers  in  the 
field  for  the  purpose  of  accepting  promotion  in  new  regiments, 
has  prevented  me  from  continuing  this  practice  with  the  later 
regiments,  thus  making  it  necessary  to  place  inexperienced  men 
in  command  of  the  new  troops.  I  also  adopted  the  plan  of  pro 
moting  meritorious  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of 
old  Regiments,  by  giving  them  positions  as  commissioned  offi 
cers  in  companies  of  new  regiments.  Much  to  my  regret  an 
order  from  the  War  Department  prevented  the  carrying  of  this 
practice  into  the  drafted  militia,  on  the  ground  that  the  time  of 
service  being  different,  men  from  the  volunteer  regiments  could 
not  be  discharged  to  accept  commissions  in  a  9  months'  regi 
ment.  Being  well  convinced  that  the  promotions  in  both  cases 
would  not  seriously  interfere  with  the  organization  of  the  old 
regiments  from  which  these  meritorious  men  are  to  be  taken,  I 
respectfully  recommend  that  you  memorialize  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  requesting  him  to  change  those  orders,  I 
having  failed  to  convince  the  government  of  the  propriety  of 
such  change.11 

I  would  also  recommend  that  you  lay  the  claims  of  promotion 
of  our  brave  and  gallant  commanders  of  regiments  before  the 
President.  I  have  repeatedly  addressed  him  upon  the  subject, 
urging  the  promotion  of  some  of  our  meritorious  Colonels. 
"While  it  is  true  that  promotion  in  the  field  should  be  made  for 
merit  and  capacity,  it  is  also  true  that  the  bravery  of  "Wisconsin 
troops  is  well  and  universally  known  and  acknowledged,  and 


11  This  recommendation  was  not  followed. — ED. 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863- 

that  she  has  sent  as  able  colonels  and  officers  to  the  field  as  ha»ve 
gone  from  other  states,  and  their  claims  to  promotion  should 
therefore  be  recognized. 

Wisconsin  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  her  noble  sons.  She  has 
stood  firmly  and  unwaveringly  by  the  flag  of  the  Union.  The 
bravery  of  her  troops  i*  not  excelled  by  any  other  State.  The 
''Iron  Brigade"  has  secured  a  distinguished  place  in  the  history 
of  this  war.  East,  West  and  South,  upon  many  of  the  bloody 
fields  of  battle,  have  Wisconsin's  brave  sons  won  for  themselves 
the  name  of  heroes.  True  and  .unflinchingly  have  they  fought 
for  the  Union  and  looked  death  in  the  face  in  a  thousand  dif 
ferent  forms;  without  a  murmur  have  they  fallen  shattered  and 
mangled  upon  the  cold  and  gory  field;  without  a  murmur  have 
they  borne  the  privations  incident  to  a  soldier's  life;  many, 
alas!  have  lingered  and  died  in  hospital,  vainly  longing  to 
breathe  their  last  breath  in  the  air  of  their  adopted  State. 
Many  a  fireside  has  been  made  desolate;  the  orphan  children, 
the  widowed  mothers,  the  mourning  fathers,  mothers,  brothers 
and  sisters — who  can  count  them?  Let  us  not  forget  those  who 
have  died  for  our  country 's,  for  our  sake ;  let  us  remember  those 
who  bravely  uphold  the  honor  and  reputation  of  our  State, 
ready  to  die  if  need  be.  Let  us  give  them  the  tribute  which  is 
due  them  from  a  grateful  State!  I  recommend  that  a  resolu 
tion  be  adopted  by  you  embodying  your  sentiments  on  this  sub 
ject,  and  that  provision  be  made  to  retain  in  the  archives  of 
the  State  a  true  record  of  the  part  Wisconsin's  loyal  sons  have 
taken  in  the  suppression  of  this  great  and  abhorred  rebellion. 

ORGANIZATION    OF    MILITIA 

At  the  special  session  last  year  I  also  called  the  attention  of 
the  Legislature  to  the  necessity  of  amending  our  militia  law  so 
as  to  give  the  State  an  effective  militia  system.  The  reasons  which 
I  then  urged  still  continue  to  exist.  With  war  surrounding  us, 
we  should  be  prepared  for  future  emergencies.  The  fears  which 
were  then  entertained  of  Indian  difficulties  on  our  frontier  have 


l863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

not  entirely  subsided.12  Without  an  organization  of  the  militia, 
without  the  necessary  arms  and  ammunition,  we  are  really  de 
fenceless.  Perhaps  arms  and  ammunition  could  be  obtained  in 
sufficient  quantities  from  the  General  Government;  but  the  or 
ganization  of  the  militia  seems  to  me  to  be  absolutely  demanded 
~by  the  condition  of  our  country.  This  organization  should  be 
as  simple  as  psssible  in  order  to  be  effective.  I  respectfully 
refer  you  to  some  observations  on  this  subject  in  the  report  of 
the  Adjutant  General,  which  m'eet  with  my  approval.13 

By  a  personal  application  to  the  Secretary  of  "War,  and  an 
-explanation  of  the  condition  of  our  frontier  settlements,  I  was 
enabled  in  the  fall  to  obtain  2,000  stand  of  arms  for  the  State 
from  the  United  States  in  order  to  arm  our  militia,  and  also 
•some  ammunition.  Under  existing  laws  these  arms  could  prop 
erly  only  be  distributed  where  uniformed  companies  had  been 
formed  in  the  State.  Wherever  applications  were  made  to  me 
for  arms,  I  advised  the  applicants  to  form  such  companies  un 
der  the  Statute,  and  so  far  as  possible  the  requisitions  of  these 
companies  have  been  complied  with.  But  in  the  more  thinly 
populated  parts  of  the  State,  where  the  necessity  for  arms  is 
most  pressing,  the  formation  of  uniformed  companies  is  hardly 
practicable. 

RELIEF  FUND,  HOSPITALS,  &C. 

At  the  adjourned  session  in  June  last  the  Legislature  made 
an  appropriation  of  $20,000  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  ex 
penses  theretofore  and  since  incurred  in  the  cure  of  sick  and 
wounded  soldiers.14 


12  The  Sioux  uprising  in  Minnesota,  in  1862,  threw  the  settlers  on  the 
northern  and  northwestern  frontier  of  Wisconsin  into  a  panic  of  fear, 
which  9id  not  subside  for  several  years.  See  R.  G.  Thwaites,  Wisconsin 
(Boston,  1908),  p.  354;  W.  W.  Folwell,  Minnesota  (Boston,  1908), 
<chaps.  11,  12. — ED. 

is  See  Wis.  Mess,  and  Docs.,  1863,  pp.  879-884. — ED. 

i*  See  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1862,  chap.  370. — ED.  { 

[171] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

Of  this  fund  there  has  been  expended  up  to  the  present  time 
the  sum  of  $10,828.94,  leaving  $9,171.06  yet  undrawn.     A  de 
tailed  report  of  these  expenditures  and  of  their  nature,  and 
the  purposes  for  which  the  money  was  used,  and  the  general  re 
sults  obtained,  will  soon  be  laid  before  you.    During  the  sickly 
season  of  last  summer  several  expeditions,  consisting  of  phy 
sicians  and  nurses,  were  sent  south  to  bring  sick  and  wounded 
soldiers  from  our  State  to  their  homes  or  to  northern  hospitals ; 
and  such  expeditions  were  subsequently  on  several  occasions 
dispatched  to  battle  fields  after  severe  battles  in  which  troops 
from  our  State  had  taken  part.     These  expeditions  have  all 
been  under  the  charge  of  the  Surgeon  General,  and  have  been 
of  the  greatest  usefulness  to  the  brave  wounded  soldiers,  add 
ing  much  to  their  comfort  and  immediate  help ;  and  great  credit 
is  due  to  the  Surgeon  General  and  the  philanthropic  gentlemen 
who,  always  without  compensation,  accompanied  him,  for  the 
manner  in  which  they  always  discharged  their  missions.     Often 
have  I  heard  of  the  touching  scenes  that  took  place  on  the  ar 
rival  of  these  parties,  when  the  gallant  unfortunate  men  could 
not  repress  their  tears  on  seeing  that  the  State  followed  them 
upon  the  battle  field,  tendering  them  the  aid  and  comfort  which 
they  so  well  deserved  and  were  in  need  of. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  war  and  up  to  last  summer,  sick  and 
wounded  men  were  generally  permitted  to  go  home  to  recruit 
their  health,  and  were  granted  limited  furloughs  for  that  pur 
pose.  This  system  led  to  much  abuse,  and  to  the  diminution  of 
the  army  to  such  an  extent,  that  the  Government  adopted  the 
rule,  to  which  it  has  since  rigidly  adhered,  of  refusing  all  fur 
loughs,  keeping  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  in  Government 
hospitals,  and  authorizing  their  discharge  if  unfit  for  further 
service.  Last  fall,  with  Governors  of  many  other  States,  I 
presented  a  request  to  the  President  to  change  this  system  to 
some  extent,  by  establishing  hospitals  in  the  several  States  and 
removing  as  much  as  possible  the  sick  to  the  respective  hos 
pitals  in  their  own  States,  where  they  would  be  nearer  their 


1863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

friends,  and  where,  to  a  limited  extent  at  least,  the  system  of 
fuiioughing  such  as  could  go  to  comfortable  homes  could  safely 
be  carried  out.  Prior  to  this  I  had  repeatedly  and  urgently 
applied  for  the  establishment  of  a  hospital  at  some  proper  place 
in  our  State,  with  a  view  of  having  our  sick  and  wounded  re 
moved  thereto.  The  reason  why  these  requests  have  not  been 
granted  is  the  one,  I  presume,  which  induced  the  Government 
originally  to  cease  the  system  of  furloughing.  I  am  not  pre 
pared  to  deny  that  the  present  system  is  on  the  whole  the  best, 
and  one  dictated  by  necessity;  and  I  will  here  take  occasion, 
from  my  own  observation  and  from  all  the  reports  I  have  re 
ceived  from  reliable  sources,  to  bear  witness  to  the  really  ex 
cellent  manner  in  which  the  government  hospitals  are  generally 
kept.  It  is  true  complaints  have  often  been  made,  and  in  many 
instances  undoubtedly  justly  made,  of  improper  treatment  of 
men  in  hospitals,  but  in  many  cases  where  such  complaints 
reached  me,  and  where  I  always  caused  investigation  to  be 
made,  I  have  been  subsequently  convinced  that  the  complaints 
were  without  foundation,  and  emanated  from  some  worthless 
source. 

Immediately  after  the  appropriation,  I  sent  several  compe 
tent  gentlemen  to  the  principal  hospitals  to  act  as  agents  on 
the  part  of  the  State  in  looking  after  and  aiding  our  sick  and 
wounded  soldiers.  But  few  such  agents,  not  exceeding  four  at  any 
one  time,  have  ever  been  sent,  and  their  labor  has  in  all  instances 
been  most  usefully  bestowed.  In  the  cities  of  New  York  and 
Philadelphia  I  have  made  use  of  agencies  already  established 
by  other  States,  and  in  the  city  of  "Washington  the  "Wisconsin 
Aid  Society  has  rendered  most  valuable  and  gratuitous  services. 
A  soldier  lying  in  a  hospital  sick  and  wounded  has  many  wants 
that  the  regular  hospital  attendants  cannot  well  supply.  The 
agents  can  see  to  these  wants,  procure  descriptive  lists,  place  sick 
men  in  communication  with  their  relatives,  see  that  those  who  are 
entitled  to  discharges  obtain  such,  and  see  that  abuses  in  hos 
pitals  are  promptly  brought  to  the  attention  of  superior  offi- 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863~ 

•eers  and  remedied.  Much  complaint,  and,  I  regret  to  say,  just 
complaint,  has  been  made  upon  the  matter  of  discharges.  Men. 
wholly  unfit  for  service  have  often  been  obliged  to  remain  in 
hospitals  for  want  of  their  discharges,  an  unreasonable  length 
of  time;  many  have  died  who,  but  for  the  negligence  of  some 
officer  in  not  promptly  forwarding  the  papers,  might  have  re 
covered  if  permitted  to  go  home,  or  at  least  might  have  expired 
in  the  arms  of  their  friends.  In  this  matter  the  State  agent* 
have  worked  incessantly,  and  have  often  made  complaint  to  the 
proper  authorities,  not  always,  however,  with  success.  Some 
delay  is  unavoidable,  but  a  large  part  of  it  unreasonable,  and 
some  change  to  the  better  in  the  present  system  of  discharges 
seems  absolutely  demanded.  I  recommend  that  you  memorialize 
the  President  upon  this  subject,  as  also  upon  the  subject  of 
establishing  a  hospital  in  this  State,  to  which  a  large  portion 
of  our  sick  and  wounded  might  be  brought.15  I  also  respect 
fully  recommend  that  before  you  adjourn  the  necessary  ap 
propriation  be  made  to  enable  me  to  continue  to  give  aid  to* 
our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers.18 

I  cannot  close  this  subject  without  paying  a  proper  tribute 
to  the  many  noble  aid  societies,  consisting  mostly  of  women,  in 
our  State,  who  have  incessantly  labored  to  supply  the  wants 
of  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  or  without  mentioning  the 
many  obligations  under  which  the  State  is  to  the  Chicago  and 
St.  Louis  Sanitary  Commissions,  they  having  always  supplied 
our  wants,  and  often,  without  being  asked,  tendered  their  as 
sistance. 

MILITARY   CONTINGENT   FUND 

Although  the  expenses  of  organizing  and  equipping  new  regi 
ments  have  during  the  past  year  been  borne  directly  by  the 


i6  The  Legislature  responded  to  this  recommendation  with  Id,  1863,. 
Mem.  no.  5. — ED. 

^Ibid,  chap.  196,  appropriated  $15,000  for  the  care  of  the  sick  and 
"wounded  soldiers  of  Wisconsin. — ED. 

[174] 


ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

United  States,  it  yet  often  happens  that  the  Executive  is  called 
upon  and  expected  to  make  some  disbursements  in  connection 
with  the  organization  of  the  troops,  which  would  constitute  a 
proper  claim  against  the  General  Government,  but  for  which 
no  provision  has  been  made.  I  have  often  been  embarrassed  in 
matters  of  this  kind,  not  considering  the  civil  contingent  fund 
as  the  proper  source  from  which  to  draw  for  this  purpose.  A 
reasonable  sum  should  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Execu 
tive  for  this  purpose,  to  be  accounted  for  in  the  proper  manner ; 
the  expenditure  of  this  money  to  be  brought  in  account  against 
the  General  Government  as  a  legitimate  claim  for  raising  troops 
for  its  defense.17 

ALLOTMENT   SYSTEM 

The  Allotment  Commissioners,  appointed  by  the  President  of 
the  United  States  under  an  act  of  Congress,  but  whose  expenses 
are  borne  by  the  State  under  a  law  of  the  last  Legislature,11 
entered  upon  their  duties  early  last  spring  in  taking  the  al 
lotment  of  our  soldiers  in  the  field,  to  enable  them  safely  and 
regularly  to  transmit  so  much  of  their  pay  to  their  families  and 
friends  at  home  as  they  might  set  apart  for  that  purpose.  Thii 
allotment  sj^stem,  excellent  and  beneficial  as  it  would  undoubt 
edly  be  and  as  it  was  designed  to  be,  has  met  with  many  obstacles 
on  the  part  of  pay  officers,  whose  labors  were  thereby  some 
what  increased,  so  as  to  interfere  very  materially  with  the 
progress  of  the  work  on  the  part  of  the  Commissioners,  and 
with  a  proper  execution  of  it.  The  efforts  of  the  Commissioners, 
aided  materially  by  the  voluntary  assistance  of  the  State  Treas 
urer,  have  been  incessant  to  insure  the  proper  working  of  the 
system,  and  under  recent  stringent  orders  from  the  United 
States  military  departments,  it  is  believed  that  the  difficulties 


,  chap.  14,  Appropriated  $3,000  to  the  Governor  to  be  used  as 
a  military  contingent  fund. — ED. 
is  See  ante,  p.  99,  note  67. — ED. 

[175] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863- 

have  been  removed  and  that  henceforth  our  soldiers  and  their 
families  will  have  the  uninterrupted  benefit  of  it. 

The  report  of  the  Allotment  Commissioners,  which  will  be 
laid  before  you,  will  show  you  the  result  of  their  labors  and  the 
difficulties  they  had  to  meet  and  overcome.  Up  to  the  15th  day 
of  December  last,  12,637  men  had  allotted  to  their  families  the 
sum  of  $1,783,705.92  per  annum.  The  regiments  '  from  our 
State  being  very  much  scattered  in  the  service,  the  allotment 
of  quite  a  number  of  them  has  not  yet  been  made,  while  from 
the  Twentieth  upward  it  was  secured  for  all  regiments  before 
they  left  the  State. 

STATE  MILITARY  DEPARTMENTS 

Under  a  law  of  last  year  the  Commissary  Gen.  has  been 
early  relieved  from  actual  duty,  his  duties  being  devolved  by  me 
upon  the  Quarter  Master  General.19  This  officer  has  almost 
entirely  wound  up  the  matters  connected  with  his  department, 
there  only  remaining  a  few  months  labor  to  place  the  accounts 
and  books  of  that  officer  in  proper  condition. 

The  office  of  Surgeon  General  has  been  continued,  and  the 
services  of  that  officer  have  been  most  important  and  will  con 
tinue  so  to  be  as  long  as  our  army  remains  in  the  field. 

The  labor,  and  work  in  the  Adjutant  General's  office  have 
been  much  increased  during  the  past  year. 

The  expenses  of  all  these  offices  constitute  a  proper  claim 
against  the  General  Government,  and  will  undoubtedly  be  al 
lowed,  since  they  have  certainly  been  kept  within  very  low  and 
reasonable  bounds. 

The  reports  of  the  Adjutant  General  and  Quartermaster 
General  will  be  submitted  to  you  as  soon  as  printed.  That  of 
the  Surgeon  General  has  not  yet  been  received,  that  officer  be 
ing  absent  on  an  expedition  to  the  battle  field  at  Murfreesboro. 
As  socn  as  received,  it  will  be  laid  before  you. 


19  Consult  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1863,  chap.  364. — ED. 


1863]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


THE  CONDITION  OF  OUR  COUNTRY 

It  is  now  almost  two  years  since  the  rebellion  of  the  Southern 
States,  instigated  by  the  ambition  of  bad  and  unscrupulous 
men,  broke  out  in  open  war  against  the  Government  of  the  United 
States.  This  war  has  assumed  gigantic  proportions  and  has  cost 
vast  sacrifices  of  blood,  life  and  treasure.  But,  for  the  loyal 
people  of  the  North  and  the  General  Government  there  were  but 
two  ways  open,  either  cowardly  to  yield  to  the.  outrage  committed 
upon  the  nation  by  the  traitors  in  arms,  and  dishonorably  to  sub 
mit  to  a  dismemberment  of  the  Union  and  a  destruction  of  the 
Government  and  Constitution,  or  to  bring  out  the  military 
power  of  the  loyal  States  to  suppress  the  rebellion  and  enforce 
the  law.  The  Government  and  the  people  with,  one  accord 
chose  the  latter  alternative,  the  only  one  that  could  be  honor 
ably  chosen.  The  contest  is  still  raging;  a  new  and  large  army 
has  been  sent  to  the  field,  and  although  the  nation  has  been 
disappointed  in  the  success  thus  far  made,  we  must  not  forget 
that  we  were  over  sanguine,  nor  must  we  forget  what  has  ac 
tually  been  accomplished.  The  fortunes  of  war  are  not  always 
on  the  same  side,  but  if,  with  our  resources  and  confidence  in 
the  righteousness  of  our  cause,  we  remain  united  in  the  support 
of  the  Government  in  the  struggle  for  its  existence,  I  trust 
that  all  the  sacrifices  in  blood  and  treasure  will  not  have  been 
vainly  made,  and  that  we  shall  yet  see  the  Union  and  the  au 
thority  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States  re-established. 

Divide  et  impe\ra,  is  an  old  adage  that  the  enemies  of  the 
country,  and  the  sympathizers  with  rebellion  in  the  North,  have 
well  learned.  If  all  true,  loyal  men  of  the  North  will  stand 
united  and  will  not  allow  party  strife  and  prejudices  to  darken 
their  better  judgment,  the  few  traitorous  men  that  may  be 
among  us  will  be  powerless.  The  South  builds  its  last  hope 
upon  a  divided  North. 

In  judging  the  acts  of  the  Administration  in  the  conduct  of 
this  war,  we  should  be  forebearing.  On  no  man  was  ever,  on 
12  [177] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

this  continent,  so  fearful  a  responsibility  thrown  as  rests  on 
the  President  of  the  United  States.  No  candid  man  doubts  his 
earnest  desire  to  save  the  Government,  the  Union,  and  the  Con 
stitution,  but  he  is  human,  and  may  err,  as  we  are  all  liable  to 
err.  Much  fault  is  found  in  certain  quarters  with  his  recent 
proclamation  of  emancipation,20  and  much  is  said  of  conciliatory 
measures.  Either  the  prosecution  of  this  war  and  the  sup 
pression  of  the  rebellion  is  just  and  right,  or  it  is  unjust  and 
wrong.  If  just,  all  means  allowed  by  the  usages  of  war  of  the 
civilized  world  should  be  resorted  to  for  its  successful  termina 
tion;  humanity  even  and  justice  to  our  brave  army  demand 
this,  they  demand  that  there  should  be  a  vigorous  prosecution  of 
the  war.  The  emancipation  proclamation  is  strictly  a  war- 
measure,  designed  to  lead  to  a  speedy  and  successful  termina 
tion  of  the  war  by  depriving  the  enemy  of  one  of  its  chief 
means  of  support.  In  times  of  peace  the  President  would  under 
the  Constitution  clearly  not  have  had  the  power  to  interfere  with 
slavery  in  any  of  the  States,  but  when  the  South  made  open 
war  upon  the  Government  and  Constitution,  they  renounced  all 
right  to  claim  their  protection.  If  it  is  lawful  for  the  Presi 
dent  to  order  thousands  of  traitors  in  arms  to  be  killed  by  the 
enginery  of  war,  to  besiege  and  destroy  their  property,  shall  it 
not  be  lawful  for  him  to  deck-;-  those  free  who  are  held  in 
bondage  by  them  and  who  are  employed  by  their  masters  in 
sustaining  the  rebellion?  But  the  plea  is  that  this  policy  will 
exasperate  the  ^rebels  and  destroy  the  hope  of  their  peaceful 
return  to  the  Union  and  submission  to  its  laws.  Have  they 
ever  shown  the  slightest  disposition  to  such  return  ?  Have  they 
not  wantonly  waged  this  war  because  they  despised  the  Con 
stitution  and  the  Union?  Have  they  not  always  had  the  op- 


20  The  Emancipation  Proclamation  was  issued  Sept.  22,  1862,  to  go 
into  effect  Jan.  1,  1863,  unless  the  seceded  states  yielded  before  that 
time.  On  the  latter  date  a  proclamation  was  issued,  declaring  it  to 
be  now  in  operation,  and  designating  the  states  or  parts  of  states 
to  which  it  should  apply.  See  post,  p.  240,  note  64. — ED. 

[178] 


ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

portunity  to  lay  down  their  traitorous  arms,  submit  to  the 
laws  and  save  all  their  rights  under  the  Constitution?  The 
people  of  the  loyal  States  in  great  overwhelming  majority 
would  gladly  welcome  them  back  under  the  Constitution  as  it  is, 
if  they  would  submit  to  its  authority.  Is  it  not  preposterous  to 
speak  of  conciliatory  measures  against  traitors  who  with  mur 
derous  hands  are  assailing  the  nation's  life  and  against  whom 
we  have  sent  in  the  field  a  million  of  armed  men  ?  This  procla 
mation  of  emancipation  I  cannot  regard  otherwise  than  as  a 
just  and  wise  measure.  Men  may  justly  differ  in  their  judg 
ment  about  it,  but  if  there  should  be  those  who,  on  account  of 
this  policy,  desire  to  embarrass  the  Administration  in  the  fur 
ther  prosecution  of  the  war,  they  cannot  be  true  friends  to 
the  Union  and  Constitution,  for  they  are  more  anxious  for  a 
traitor's  right  to  hold  his  fellow  man  in  bondage  than  that  the 
Union  be  saved.  May  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe  so 
guide  the  actions  of  the  people  of  this  once  happy  and  now  so 
distracted  country  that  the  republic  be  saved  and  not  shattered 
upon  the  rocks  of  disunion  and  dissension. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 
MAPIBOX,  January  14,  1863. 


INFORMATION  REFUSED 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  January  21st,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

In  answer  to  your  resolution  No.  13,  of  January  20th,  1863,21 
I  have  the  honor  respectfully  to  submit  that,  so  far  as  I  am 
aware,  no  arrest  has  been  made  in  this  State  of  any  person 
charged  with  disloyalty  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
(excepting  the  arrest  of  persons  charged  with  openly  resist- 


21  The  resolution  called  upon  the  Governor  for  information  in  regard 
to  charges  against  citizens  of  the  State,  for  disloyalty. — ED. 

[179] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  El863- 

ing  the  draft).22  It  would  in  my  judgment  be  injurious  and 
detrimental  to  public  interests  to  furnish  the  information  sought 
by  that  resolution.  EDWARD  SALOMON. 


CONDITION  OF  CAMP  RANDALL 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  Jan.  27,  1863. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

Learning  by  your  proceedings  that  the  condition  of  Camp 
Randall  has  been  and  is  the  subject  of  investigation,  I  beg 
leave  to  submit  to  you  the  following  statement:23 

Camp  Randall  is  occupied  at  present  by  the  25th  and  30th 
Regiments  of  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  both  long  since  completed 
and  mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  the  camp  being  in 
command  of  Col.  Dill  of  the  30th  Regiment.  Although  the 
State  authorities  have  no  direct  control  over  these  regiments, 
yet  upon  being  apprized  of  the  existence  of  any  abuses  and 
deficiencies,  I  have  always  deemed  it  my  duty  to  call  the  at 
tention  of  the  proper  United  States  authorities  to  them,  that 
they  might  be  remedied,  expecting  that,  if  there  is  any  just 
cause  of  complaint  not  remedied  on  application  to  the  proper 
United  States  authorities,  I  would  be  informed  by  the  officers. 

Until  the  15th  inst.,  no  complaint  of  any  kind  had  reached 
me  concerning  the  quarters,  subsistence  or  hospital  accommoda 
tions  at  Camp  Randall.  On  that  day  a  gentleman  who  had 
visited  the  camp  informed  me  that  he  found  the  bread,  coffee 
and  meat  furnished  to  the  soldiers  bad,  whereupon  I  immedi 
ately  addressed  Col.  Dill,  requesting  him  to  investigate  the 
matter  and  report  to  me.  Col.  Dill  reported  to  me  the  next 
day  orally  stating  that  it  was  true  the  bread  was  sour,  and 


22  See  ante,  p.  148,  note  92. — ED. 

23  The  joint  committee  of  the  Legislature,  which  was  appointed  to 
investigate  the  condition  of  soldiers  at  Camp  Randall,  made  a  very 
unfavorable  report.   See  Wis.  Sen.  Jour.,  1863,  p.  69  ff. — En. 

[iSol 


1863]  CAMP  RANDALL 

that  he  had  called  upon  the  contractor  repeatedly  to  furnish 
better  bread;  that  the  latter  had  changed  bakeries  very  often, 
without,  however,  effecting  a  material  change  in  the  quality  of 
bread ;  that  he  had  finally  called  upon  the  medical  director  of  the 
department  for  inspection  of  the  bread,  and  that  that  gentleman 
had  pronounced  the  bread  good,  and  that  he  then  thought  of 
taking  the  flour  instead  of  bread.  The  other  rations  he  stated 
were  good. 

Believing  from  the  remarks  reported  to  have  been  made  in 
the  Legislature,  that  I  might  not  have  been  fully  informed  by 
Col.  Dill  of  the  condition  of  the  camp,  I  again  addressed  him 
on  the  1st  inst.,  requesting  him  to  report  to  me  as  to  sub 
sistence,  accommodation,  hospital  treatment  and  quarters  of  the 
men  in  camp,  and  received  from  him  in  reply,  a  letter,  of 
which  I  enclose  a  copy  marked  "A". 

I  also  addressed  Brig.  Gen.  Elliott  upon  the  subject,  and 
received  from  him  a  communication,  of  which  I  enclose  a  copy 
marked  "B". 

The  Board  of  Officers  referred  to  in  his  letter,  have  finished 
their  examination  and  made  a  report,  with  a  copy  of  which 
marked  "C",  I  have  been  furnished  by  Gen.  Elliott,  and  which 
I  also  enclose. 

In  justice  to  the  officers  at  Camp  Randall,  I  have  deemed  it 
my  duty  to  lay  this  matter  before  you  for  your  consideration. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


SANITARY  RELIEF 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

February  4th,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

I  hereby  submit  to  you  my  report  of  the  amounts  expended 
to  February  1st,  1863,  of  the  Relief  Fund  created  by  chapter 
371,  of  the  General  Laws  of  1862.24 


24  Printed  in  lUd,  p.  205.— ED. 

[181] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

In  my  message  of  January  14th,  I  have  given  a  general  out 
line  of  the  manner  in  which  this  money  has  been  expended.  For 
a  more  particular  account  of  the  items  of  expenditure  by  the 
sanitary  agents  appointed  by  me,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to 
their  reports  and  accounts  on  file  in  this  office. 

The  results  obtained  by  these  agencies  have  been  very  bene 
ficial  and  satisfactory.  Regular  and  accurate  information  has 
constantly  been  furnished  by  them  to  the  people  of  the  State  of 
the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  in  the  several  hospitals;  the 
agents  have  attended  to  the  wants  of  the  sick,  that  could  not 
otherwise  be  supplied;  they  have  seen  that  abuses  in  hospitals 
were  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  proper  authorities  and 
remedied;  they  have  endeavored  to  obtain  and  accelerate  the 
discharges  of  such  as  were  unfit  for  service;  besides  their  offi 
cial  reports  of  which  I  caused  the  substance  to  be  published, 
making,  as  I  am  informed,  not  less  than  sixty  columns  in  the 
11  Daily  Journal"  of  this  city,  they  have  furnished  constant  in 
formation  to  the  press  and  to  private  persons.25  Applications 
have  been  and  are  almost  daily  made  to  me  by  the  relatives  of 
sick  soldiers  concerning  their  condition,  and  soliciting  inter 
ference  on  their  behalf,  which,  without  these  agents,  I  should 
not  be  able  to  answer  or  properly  attend  to. 

Hereto  annexed  you  will  find  a  brief  statement  of  the  names 
of  the  agents  appointed  by  me,  the  time  during  and  the  manner 
in  which  they  have  been  employed. 

The  results  accomplished  by  the  several  sanitary  expeditions 
sent  to  fields  of  battle  under  charge  of  the  Surgeon  General 
will  undoubtedly  be  contained  in  the  report  of  that  officer, 
which  has  not  yet  been  received,  but  which  will  soon  be  laid 
before  you,  and  I  therefore  refrain  from  making  any  further 
observations  on  that  subject. 

EDWARD  SALOMON^ 


25  See  files  of  the  Madison  State  Journal,  1863. — ED. 


182] 


1863]  NINE  MONTHS'  VOLUNTEERS 


THE  DRAFT 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 
MADISON,  February  5,  1863. 

To. the  Honorable  the  Ass&mbly: 

In  compliance  with  your  resolution,  No.  39,  of  January  31, 
I  herewith  lay  before  you  all  correspondence,  by  telegraph  and 
otherwise,  between  the  War  Department  and  myself  upon  the 
subject  embraced  in  that  resolution.26  This  correspondence 
will  inform  you  what  efforts  have  been  made  by  me  to  prevent 
the  necessity  of  a  draft  in  this  State,  and  to  induce  the  War 
Department  to  accept  from  this  State  nine  months'  volunteers. 

It  is  proper  for  me  to  state  in  this  connection,  upon  the  au 
thority  of  a  dispatch  received  from  the  War  Department  re 
cently  in  answer  to  a  direct  question  upon  that  subject,  that 
the  General  Government  has  never  authorized  the  raising  of 
nine  months'  volunteers  in  any  State.  Upon  the  authority  of 
newspapers  it  seems  that  in  some  of  the  larger  cities  (Phila 
delphia,  New  York  and  Boston)  nine  months'  volunteers  were 
organized  to  avoid  the  draft.  How  this  was  accomplished,  I 
am  not  informed;  but  there  must  have  been  some  State  laws 
there  to  authorize  such  organizations,  and  State  means  or  other 
funds  to  defray  the  expenses  thereof.  Two  things  are  always 
necessary  to  enable  me  to  raise  troops  of  any  kind.  1st,  an  au 
thority  from  the  General  Government  or  a  State  law;  and  2d, 
the  necessary  means  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  organization. 
I  had  no  authority  from  the  General  Government  to  organize 
nine  months'  volunteers  (nor  any  kind  of  volunteers  after 
August  22d,  except  for  old  regiments  and  to  fill  the  31st  and 
27th  regiments).  There  is  no  State  law  authorizing  such  or 
ganization,  and  there  were  no  means  at  my  disposal  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  raising  such  troops.  Where  nine  months'  vol- 


28  The  resolution  called  upon  the  Governor  for  Information  relating 
td  the  draft.— ED. 

[183] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

unteers  have  been  raised  in  other  States  under  laws  and  facil 
ities  not  existing  here,  I  presume  the  General  Government  has, 
after  they  were  organized  and  tendered,  accepted  them  as,  or 
in  place  of,  drafted  militia.  Beyond  the  fact,  however,  that 
the  Government  refused  to  give  me  authority  to  raise  nine 
months'  volunteers,  and  that  it  has  not  given  such  authority 
to  any  other  State,  I  have  no  definite  or  reliable  information 
as  to  what  may  have  been  done  by  other  States.  Having  failed 
to  obtain  authority  to  continue  recruiting,  except  for  old  regi 
ments,  after  the  22d  of  August,  I  deemed  it  my  duty  to  carry 
out  the  draft,  as  it  has  been  carried  out  in  most,  if  riot  all 
of  the  other  States  that  failed  to  furnish  their  quota  up  to  Aug 
ust  22d,  and  as  I  was  bound  to  do  under  the  Constitution  of 
the  United  States,  the  enactments  of  Congress,  and  the  orders 
and  regulations  of  the  President,  made  in  pursuance  thereof. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  Feb.  6,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

The  accompanying  memorial  of  Wm.  A.  Pors,  Esq.,  late 
Draft  Commissioner  of  Ozaukee  county,  has  been  transmitted 
to  me  by  that  gentleman,  with  a  request  to  lay  the  same  before 
you.  He  asks  that  he  be  indemnified  for  the  loss  sustained  by 
him  by  the  forcible  resistance  to  the  draft  in  that  county.  My 
opinion  is  that  the  United  States  should  indemnify  Mr.  Pors  as 
well  as  the  others  who  suffered  with  him  in  loss  of  property 
by  that  resistance  and  wanton  outrage;  but  on  laying  the  mat 
ter  before  the  Representatives  in  Congress  from  this  State,  Mr. 
Pors  has  been  advised  that  a  special  bill  to  indemnify  him 
and  his  co-sufferers  could  not  be  passed  at  present,  and  that  a 
general  bill  of  indemnification  would  probably  not  be  passed 
for  several  years.  Under  the  circumstances,  I  deem  it  proper 
that  the  State  should  indemnify  Mr.  Pors,  looking  to  the  United 


1863]  CALL    FOR   VOLUNTEERS 

States  for  re-embursement  hereafter.  Mr.  Pors  has  acted  the 
part  of  a  courageous,  faithful  public  officer,  and  in  the  attempt 
to  do  his  duty  he  has  lost  almost  all  that  he  possessed.27 

.As  a  safeguard  against  future  occurrences  of  this  kind,  and 
in  order  to  give  a  remedy  to  persons  who  may  innocently  suffer 
at  the  hands  of  a  mob,  I  would  also  recommend  that  a  law  be 
passed  making  towns,  cities'  or  counties  responsible  for  dam 
ages  caused  by  a  mob.28  Such  a  law,  I  learn,  is  in  existence  in 
several  other  States,  and  has  probably  a  healthy  and  restrain 
ing  influence,  making  it  the  direct  pecuniary  interest  of  every 
tax  payer  to  discourage  and  resist  such  outrages  in  his  com 
munity,  while  it  gives  the  innocent  sufferer  a  remedy  for  his 

losses. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


Proclamation  to  the  People  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin: 

Whereas,  In  addition  to  the  draft  of  twenty  per  cent  of  the 
first  class  of  the  enrolled  national  forces  heretofore  called  for, 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  his  proclamation  of  the 
17th  instant,  has  made  a  call  for  300,000  volunteers. 

And,  whereas,  Duty  and  patriotism  demand  that  the  draft 
should  be  cheerfully  submitted  to  and  the  new  call  promptly 
answered  by  the  people  of  Wisconsin  as  they  have  always  been 
ready  to  comply,  and  have  more  than  complied  with  all  previ 
ous  calls  heretofore  made  upon  them  in  support  of  our  national 
integrity  and  for  the  maintenance  and  vindication  of  the  Union, 
the  Constitution  and  the  Laws: 

Now  THEREFORE,  and  in  order  that  the  people  of  Wisconsin 


27  The  home  of  Draft  Commissioner  Pors,  in  Port  Washington,  waa 
badly  damaged  by  the  mob  in  the  Ozaukee  draft  riot.    The  Legislature 
appropriated  $3,000  to  indemnify  him,  and  provided  for  securing  reim 
bursement  from  the  Federal  Government. — ED. 

28  Such  a  law  was  enacted  in  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1863,  ehap  211. — Ed. 

[185] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863- 

may  be  more  fully  and  definitely  advised  concerning  the  pro 
portion  of  men  required  from  this  State  under  those  two  calls, 
the  mode  of  distributing  the  same,  and  other  points  connected 
therewith,  I,  EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Wis 
consin,  do  hereby  give  the  following  information  of  regula 
tions  adopted  by  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  and  of 
other  matters  connected  with  said  two  calls,  so  far  as  I  am 
advised  of  the  same : 

1st  Concerning  the  draft  now  pending;  the  execution  of 
which  will  commence  on  the  9th  day  of  November  next ; 

The  number  of  men  of  the  first  class  enrolled  in  the  six  Con 
gressional  Districts,  including  twenty  towns  or  sub-districts 
not  yet  reported,  but  estimated  at  1,000  will  be  68,845  (which 
will  vary  but  very  little  from  the  exact  number  when  fully 
ascertained)  ;  20  per  cent  of  whi^h.  would  make  the  quota  of 
Wisconsin  13,769.  Our  Stats  has  Burnished  an  excess  of  troops 
over  all  previous  calls,  reducing -it  all  to  the  standard  of  three 
years'  men,  of  between  four  and  five  thousand,  all  of  which 
will  be  credited  to  the  State,  each  Congressional  District  re 
ceiving  credit  for  the  excess  furnished  by  it;  so  that  the  num 
ber  to  be  furnished  under  this  draft  by  the  State  will  be  re 
duced  to  8,000  or  9,000.  It  is  not  deemed  practicable  by  the 
Officers  of  the  General  Government  to  bring  the  system  of  giv 
ing  credit  to  troops  heretofore  furnished  down  to  towns  or 
wards,  but  the  number  of  men  required  from  a  Congressional 
District  will  be  distributed  among  its  towns  and  wards  in  pro 
portion  to  the  number  of  men  of  the  first  class  enrolled  in  each 
town  or  ward. 

All  men  enlisting  before  the  draft  in  the  35th  Regiment  Wis. 
Yols.,  or  in  any  of  the  companies  of  artillery  now  in  process  of 
organization,  as  well  as  all  those  who  have  heretofore  enlisted 
in  any  old  regiment  or  company  in  the  field,  will  be  properly 
credited  on  this  draft. 

2d  Concerning  the  new  call  of  300,000  Volunteers.  Upon 
the  estimated  enrollment  of  68,845  men  of  the  first  class,  the 

[186] 


l863]  CALL  FOR  VOLUNTEERS 

quota  for  Wisconsin  under  this  call  would  be  9,724,  which  will 
vary  but  slightly  from  the  exact  number  when  definitely  ascer 
tained.  This  number  will  be  assigned  to  districts  according  to 
the  number  of  men  enrolled  therein  of  the  first  class ;  and  upon 
the  same  principle  it  can  be  ascertained  by  the  people  of  any 
town  or  ward  what  their  respective  quotas  will  be;  for  the 
number  of  men  required  from  any  particular  town  or  ward  in 
the  same  proportion  to  the  number  of  men  enrolled  of  the  first 
class  in  such  town  or  ward  that  9,724  bears  to  68,845. 

This  call  is  intended  particularly  to  fill  old  regiments  in  the 
field,  and  the  Government  will  therefore  pay  to  any  new  re 
cruit  for  any  regiment  in  the  field  one  month's  pay  in  advance, 
and  a  bounty  and  premium  of  $302,  as  follows: 

1st  At  the  general  rendezvous,  and  before  leaving  the  same  to 
join  his  regiment  or  company,  the  recruit  accepted  under  this 

authority,  will  be  paid  one  month's  pay  in  advance $13  00 

First  instalment  of  bounty $60  00 

Premium    2  00 

Total  pay  before  leaving  rendezvous $75  00 

To  be  paid  in  cash,  or  checks  for  transmittal,  in  whole  or  in 

part,  as  the  recruit  may  desire. 
2d    At  the  first  regular  pay  day,  or  two  months  after  muster  in, 

an  additional  instalment  of  bounty  will  be  paid $40  00 

Making  pay  and  bounty  then  received 66  00 

3d  At  the  first  regular  pay  day  after  six  months'  service,  in  ad 
dition  to  his  pay,  he  shall  be  paid  an  additional  instalment  of 

bounty 40  00 

4th  At  the  first  regular  pay  day  after  the  end  of  the  first  year's 
service,  in  addition  to  his  pay,  an  additional  instalment  of 

bounty  will  be  paid 40  00 

5th  At  the  first  regular  pay  day  after  eighteen  months'  service, 
in  addition  to  his  pay,  an  additional  instalment  of  bounty  will 

be  paid 40  00 

6th  At  the  first  regular  pay  day  after  two  years'  service,  in 
addition  to  his  pay,  an  additional  instalment  of  bounty  will  be 
paid 40  00 

[I87] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  Il863- 

7th  At  the  expiration  of  three  years'  service,  or  to  any  soldier 
who  may  be  honorably  discharged  after  two  years'  service,  the 
remainder  of  the  bounty  will  be  paid 40  00- 

If  the  Government  shall  not  require  these  troops  for  the 
full  period  of  three  years,  and  they  shall  be  mustered  honor 
ably  out  of  the  service  before  the  expiration  of  their  term  of 
enlistment,  they  shall  receive,  upon  being  mustered  out,  the 
whole  amount  of  bounty  remaining  unpaid,  the  same  as  if  the 
full  term  had  been  served.  The  legal  heirs  of  recruits  who  die 
in  service  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  the  whole  bounty  re 
maining  unpaid  at  the  time  of  the  soldier's  death. 

Veterans  receive  one  month's  pay  in  advance,  and  a  bounty 
and  premium  of  $402,  in  instalments  as  heretofore  published, 
and  may  enlist  in  any  old  or  new  regiment. 

Persons  not  veterans,  enlisting  in  any  of  the  new  organiza 
tions  in  this  State,  to  wit :  the  35th  Infantry,  or  any  of  the 
new  artillery  companies,  will  receive  one  month's  pay  in  ad 
vance,  and  the  ordinary  bounty  of  $100,  as  heretofore  pub 
lished. 

Besides  the  35th  regiment  and  the  artillery  companies  now 
in  process  of  organization,  no  new  organizations  will  be  formed, 
but  recruiting  will  be  confined  to  old  regiments. 

By  furnishing  the  number  of  men  required  from  any  town 
or  ward,  by  volunteering  before  the  5th  day  of  January,  such 
town  or  ward  will  be  exempt  from  the  draft  mentioned  in  the- 
proclamation  of  the  President,  and  which  is  to  be  made  to  fill 
the  deficiency  then  existing  in  the  State. 

It  is  also  probable  that  any  deficiency  arising  on  the  present 
draft,  or  existing  on  any  previous  call,  in  any  of  the  States, 
will  be  made  up  by  the  draft  on  the  5th  of  January  next. 

Enlistments  for  old  regiments  may  be  made  through  the- 
Assistant  Provost  Marshals,  and  through  recruiting  Officers  de 
tailed  for  that  purpose  from  the  field.  The  whole  subject  of 
the  draft,  recruiting  and  enlistments  are  under  the  control  of 
the  Provost  Marshal  General  and  his  Assistants. 

r  188  1 


CALL   FOR   VOLUNTEERS 

As  the  people  of  "Wisconsin  have  evinced  their  patriotism 
heretofore  upon  every  occasion  where  the  nation  has  made  a  call 
for  men  in  the  present  great  national  struggle,  I  trust  that  they 
"will  not  fail  to  fill  their  quota  of  volunteers  under  this  call, 
by  the  appointed  day. 

The  rebellion  has  received  many  a  severe  blow  during  the 
past  two  years;  it  has  been  crippled  end  narrowed  down;  all 
its  hopes  of  aid  from  without  have  failed;  the  last  able-bodied 
white  man  in  its  power,  has  been  driven  into  its  ranks;  it  can 
make  but  one  last  desperate  effort  with  its  armies  now  in  the 
field.  Under  these  circumstances,  shall  our  National  Govern 
ment — shall  our  brave  men  in  the  field — call  in  vain  for  rein 
forcements  by  volunteering?  I  trust  not!  "We  cannot  and 
must  not  stop  half  way,  but  must  sustain  our  brave  brothers 
in  the  field  and  struggle  on  until  this  rebellion  is  suppressed. 
If  this  new  call  for  volunteers,  intended  to  fill  the  ranks  of  the 
decimated  old  Veteran  Eegiments  is  answered  promptly,  it 
will  give  more  real  strength  to  our  army  than  any  previous 
call  has  ever  done,  because  the  strength  and  value  of  the  new 
levy  will  not  be  crippled  and  wasted  by  inexperienced  officers, 
t>ut  will  be  m'ade  to  tell  its  full  weight  and  power  under  ex 
perienced  leaders. " 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused 
the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  to  be  affixed,  this  24th  day  of 
October  A.  D.  1863. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


MILITARY  CONTINGENT  FUND 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  February  5th,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

Hereto  annexed  you  will  find  an  account  of  the  expenditures 
incurred  by  Governor  Harvey  and  myself,  under  chapters  239 
and  307,  of  the  General  Laws  of  1861.  The  vouchers  for  these 

[189] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

expenditures  have  been  filed  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of 
State.  This  was  the  only  fund  to  which  recourse  could  be 
had  to  defray  necessary  incidental  expenses  connected  with  the 
raising  of  troops  and  their  organization.  Nearly  every  item  of 
the  account  is  a  just  demand  against  the  United  States,  and 
will  be  refunded  to  the  State ;  but  in  as  much  as  the  final  settle 
ment  with  government  must  necessarily  be  delayed  for  a  con 
siderable  time  and  as  this  fund  is  nearly  exhausted,  a  moderate 
appropriation  for  a  military  contingent  fund  should  be  made, 
in  justice  to  the  citizens  of  the  State  who  are  called  upon  to 
perform  various  services,  for  which  there  would  otherwise  be 
no  present  means  of  payment.29 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


CIVIL  ACTIONS  AGAINST  SOLDIERS 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  March  2d,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

Among  the  bills  recently  laid  before  me  for  approval,  was  one 
entitled  "An  Act  relative  to  the  commencement  and  prosecu 
tion  of  civil  actions  against  persons  in  the  military  service  of 
the  country."30  This  is  substantially  a  re-enactment  of  the 
law  exempting  persons  in  the  military  service  from  civil  pro 
cess,  and  providing  for  a  stay  of  proceedings  in  actions  already 
pending,  limiting  the  time  of  such  exemption  and  stay,  how 
ever,  to  three  years,  and  thus  avoiding  the  objection  made  to 
the  former  law,  and  for  which,  as  I  understand,  it  was  declared 
unconstitutional  by  the  Supreme  Court.  In  its  general  scope 
and  purpose  this  law  meets  with  my  approval;  but  in  addition 


29  See  ante,  p.  175,  note  17. — ED. 

so  This  bill  became  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1863,  chap.  32.  The  recommen 
dations  of  the  Governor  for  amendments  do  not  appear  to  have  been 
accepted. — ED. 

[190] 


1863]  SUITS  AGAINST  SOLDIERS 

to  the  cases  excepted  from  the  operation  of  the  law  by  section 
4,  I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  a  class  of  cases  which 
in  my  judgment  should  also  be  excepted.  It  often  occurs  that 
a  mortgagor  sells  and  conveys  the  mortgaged  premises  sub 
ject  to  the  mortgage  which  he  has  executed,  and  thus  parts- 
with  all  his  interest  in  the  property.  Still  in  an  action  of  fore 
closure,  he  would  be  the  principal  defendant,  and  if  in  army, 
the  action  could  not  be  commenced,  or  if  commenced,  would 
be  stayed.  It  seems  to  me  that  the  law  should  not  apply  to 
such  a  case,  but  that  the  foreclosure  should  be  permitted  to 
proceed,  where  the  mortgagor  has  parted  with  his  interest  in 
the  property  and  where  the  action  does  not  seek  to  make  him 
personally  liable  for  the  payment  of  the  deficiency  arising  on 
the  sale,  but  is  confined  to  a  foreclosure  of  the  right  of  re 
demption  in  the  mortgaged  premises.  The  real  owner  of  the 
property  would  in  such  a  case  be  the  principal  party  in  in 
terest  adverse  to  the  plaintiff,  while  he  would  appear  simply  as 
a  subsequent  purchaser  in  the  suit,  and  if  he  was  in  the  serv 
ice  it  might  perhaps  be  proper  to  grant  a  stay  of  proceedings 
on  his  account.  I  would  respectfully  suggest  that,  while  the 
law  should  not  be  made  to  apply  to  a  mortgagor  who  has  parted 
with  his  interest  in  the  property  in  an  action  which  does  not 
seek  a  personal  remedy  against  him  for  the  debt,  it  might  very 
properly  be  left  to  the  courts  to  grant  a  stay  of  proceedings 
in  such  cases  where  the  real  party  in  interest,  on  the  part  of 
the  defence,  the  bona  fide  owner  of  the  property,  is  in  the  mili 
tary  service  of  the  country. 

As  the  class  of  cases  I  have  mentioned  is  only  an  additional 
exception  to  the  general  principle  embodied  in  the  law,  and 
which  meets  with  my  approval,  I  have  preferred  to  lay  the 
same  before  you  in  this  manner  rather  than  to  return  the  law 
without  my  signature,  and  would  respectfully  recommend  that 
by  an  additional  act  this  further  exception  be  made  from  the 
operation  of  the  law. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 

[191] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 


SUFFERING  FAMILIES 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  March  14th,  1863. 
To  the  Hon.  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

My  attention  has  recently  been  called  to  a  class  of  sufferers 
to  whom  the  State  should  extend  a  helping  hand.  I  refer  to 
the  widows  and  families  of  those  of  our  brave  soldiers  who  died 
in  the  service  of  our  country,  and  whose  families  were,  before 
they  entered  the  army,  dependent  upon  their  labor  for  support. 
In  such  case,  the  family,  after  the  soldier's  death,  receives 
neither  State  pay  nor  U.  S.  pay;  both  cease  when  his  life 
expires  in  his  country's  cause.  It  is  true,  they  are  entitled  to 
pension,  and  in  some  cases  now  to  bounty ;  but  it  takes  a  long 
time  before  they  can  obtain  either,  owing  to  the  large  number 
of  applications ;  and  then  the  pension  is  only  paid  twice  a  year. 
In  the  meantime  these  bereaved  ones  mustt  live.  I  cannot 
more  pointedly  lay  the  case  before  you  than  by  giving  you 
the  following  extract  from  a  letter  addressed  to  me  on  that  sub 
ject  by  some  of  these  innocent  sufferers : 

"This  state  has  made  several  calls  for  men  to  serve  their 
country  in  this  time  of  trouble,  which  calls  have  been  cheerfully 
responded  to  by  many  whose  families  were  entirely  dependent 
upon  their  labor  for  support.  Many  of  those  brave  men  have 
died  in  their  country's  service,  and  their  once  happy  homes  are 
made  desolate ;  once  plenty  crowned  their  board,  but  now  the 
picture  is  reversed.  Their  once  happy  dwelling  is  filled  with 
want  and  wretchedness,  woe  and  sorrow.  For  now  many  of  us 
are  left  with  three  and  four  small  children  entirely  destitute, 
without  a  home  or  anything  to  pay  rent  with,  or  even  to  pur 
chase  the  most  common  necessaries  of  life.  Now  what  shall  we 
do-?  Shall  we  and  our  little  ones  starve  ?  or  shall  we  suffer  the 
humiliating  position  of  paupers  on  the  town,  thus  disgracing  the 
posterity  of  Wisconsin's  noble  dead?  No,  never.  What,  then? 
Shall  we  stoop  to  degradation  and  crime?  May  God  forbid! 

[192] 


1863]  SOLDIERS'  FAMILIES 

Yet  one  of  these  evils  must  surely  come  upon  us,  unless  we  find 
some  relief.  As  the  last  resort,  we  appeal  to  you.  We  have 
been  promised  both  bounty  and  pension,  but  can  get  neither. 
Again  we  are  told  by  those  in  whom  we  place  confidence  as 
officers  of  our  government,  that  we  may  get  it  ere  long,  and  we 
may  not  get  it  for  years.  Now  what  is  to  become  of  us?  We 
cannot  live  on  faith,  hope  or  premises,  unless  we  have  something 
more  substantial  to  back  them.  Why  cannot  our  honorable  leg 
islature  extend  the  volunteer  aid  fund  to  us  also?" 

To  relieve  these  suffering  families  of  our  brave  unfortunate 
soldiers,  until  they  can  receive  the  pension  from  the  General 
Government,  I  recommend  that  the  State  aid  of  five  dollars  per 
month  be  by  law  continued  to  them  for  six  months  after  the 
death,  in  the  service,  of  those  on  whose  labor  they  were  de 
pendent  for  support,  provided  the  payment  of  the  pensions  shall 
not  have  commenced  during  that  time.31 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


si  Ibid,  chap.  264,  provided  for  six  months'  continuance  of  extra  pay 
to  the  families  of  volunteers  who  had  died  in  service;  such  payment 
to  cease,  however,  when  the  Federal  pension  should  begin. — ED. 


13  [193] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863~ 


MISCELLANEOUS  MESSAGES 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  Feb.  7th,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly: 

SIB — On  behalf  and  at  the  request  of  Lieut.  Col.  Charles 
Whipple,  of  the  19th  Reg.  Wis.  Vol.,  I  have  the  honor  to  pre 
sent  you  herewith  a  gavel,  made  from  the  hull  of  the  memorable 
steamer  "Merrimac",  sunk  in  Norfolk  harbor. 

Lt.  Col.  Whipple  sent  me  two  gavels  with  the  request  to  pre 
sent  one  to  the  President  of  the  Senate  and  one  to  the  Speaker 
of  the  Assembly.  Very  respectfully, 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  6th,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

Enclosed  I  transmit  to  you  a  letter  from  Mr.  J.  V.  Robbing, 
making  a  claim  against  the  State  for  breach  of  a  contract 
entered  into  with  him  by  the  Quartermaster  General,  in  1861. 
I  referred  it  to  the  Quartermaster  General  for  a  report  upon 
the  facts  in  the  case,  which  I  also  enclose.  From  this  report  it 
would  seem  that  Mr.  Robbins  has  a  just  claim ;  and  if,  upon  due 
investigation,  the  legislature  should  be  of  that  opinion,  I  would 
respectfully  suggest  that  the  Quartermaster  General  be 
authorized  to  settle  the  matter  with  Mr.  Robbins,  deducting 
from  his  claim  the  amount  due  the  State  from  him  upon  a 
matter  also  referred  to  in  the  accompanying  papers,  upon  his 
delivering  the  necessary  releases  from  himself  and  the  other 
parties  interested  in  the  contract,  and  that  the  necessary  ap 
propriation  be  made  for  that  purpose.82 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


chap.  28*,  made  provision  for  the  settlement  of  this  claim 
ae  recommended. — ED. 

[194] 


I863]  TOURNIQUETS 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  9,  1863. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

My  attention  has  been  called  to  a  newly  invented  instrument 
to  arrest  the  flow  of  blood  through  the  arteries  of  the  extrem 
ities  in  case  of  wounds  received  upon  the  battle-field  or  else 
where.  It  is  called  "Lambert's  Elastic  Tourniquet",  and  is, 
according  to  the  testimony  of  scientific  men,  well  adapted  to  the 
saving  of  soldiers'  lives,  of  whom  so  large  a  number  perish  on 
battle-fields  from  loss  of  blood  before  any  aid  can  be  rendered 
them.  Many  of  our  sister  States  have  provided,  or  taken  steps 
to  provide  their  soldiers  with  this  important  "Life  Preserver"; 
among  them  the  States  of  New  Hampshire,  Connecticut,  Rhode 
Island,  New  Jersey  and  New  York,  as  I  am  credibly  informed. 
I  would  respectfully  recommend  that  this  matter  be  taken  into 
careful  consideration  by  you,  and  that,  if  you  find  the  in 
vention  sufficiently  useful  and  beneficial,  the  necessary  appro 
priation  be  made  to  furnish  the  soldiers  from  this  State  a 
sufficient  number  of  these  Tourniquets.  All  the  information 
which  I  have  upon  this  subject,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  lay  before 
any  committee  to  which  you  may  refer  the  matter.38 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  12th,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

In  compliance  with  your  resolution,  No.  78,  A,  I  have  the 
honor  to  state  that  Mr.  R.  C.  Murphy,  formerly  Colonel  of  the 
8th  Regt.  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  recently  sent  me  a  duplicate  of 
a  letter  and  accompanying  documents  addressed  by  him  to  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  with  a  request  to  lay  the  same 
before  the  legislature,  which  I  declined  to  do,  not  believing  that 


33  The  Governor  was  authorized  to  furnish  tourniquets  for  the  ue« 
of  soldiers  by  Hid,  chap.  154. — ED. 

1 195  ] 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  [l863~ 

the  legislature  of  this  state  is  the  proper  tribunal  to  try  his 
guilt  or  innocence.  At  your  request  I  now  enclose  to  you  his 
communication  to  me,  accompanied  by  the  duplicate  of  his  letter 
and  accompanying  documents  addressed  to  the  President,  and 
also  a  copy  of  my  answer  to  him.  This  comprises  all  communi 
cations  in  this  office  touching  the  conduct  of  any  Wisconsin 
regimental  officer  or  officers  at  the  surrender  of  Holly  Springs, 
Miss.,  except  the  order  of  the  War  Department  of  January  10th, 
1863,  dismissing  Col.  Murphy  from  the  service  of  the  U.  S.,  a 
copy  of  which  is  contained  in  his  communication  to  the  Presi 
dent.  No  copy  of  any  order  made  by  Gen.  Grant  touching  the 
surrender  of  Holly  Springs  is  in  my  possession.84 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISOX,  March  17th,  1863. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

In  answer  to  your  resolution  No.  79,  A,35  I  have  the  honor 
to  lay  before  you  a  report  of  the  Adjutant  General,  giving  you 
the  desired  information.  There  is  no  "  State  Armory ",  pro 
perly  so  called,  in  the  state ;  the  arms  and  military  stores  apper 
taining  thereto  have  to  be  kept  in  such  places  as  can  be  most 
advantageously  procured  for  that  purpose.36 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


.  s*  Colonel  Murphy  was  dismissed  from  the  service  for  permitting 
the  surprise,  capture,  and  destruction  by  Confederate  cavalry  under 
Van  Dorn,  of  the  military  depot  under  his  command  at  Holly  Springs, 
Miss.,  where  Grant  had  gathered  a  million  dollars'  worth  of  stores 
as  a  base  of  supplies  in  his  attempted  march  from  Memphis  to  Vick*- 
burg. — ED. 

35  The  resolution  called  upon  the  Governor  to  furnish  information 
relating  to  the  quantity  and  character  of  military  goods  in  the 
State. — ED. 

ss  See  post,  p.  275,  note  76. — ED. 

[196] 


1863]  THANKSGIVING 

1863.    In  Legislative  Recess 

The  Governor  issued  the  following 

THANKSGIVING  DAY  PROCLAMATION 

The  people  of  Wisconsin  have  much  reason  to  be  thankful  to 
God  for  the  many  favors  and  blessings  they  have  enjoyed  dur 
ing  the  past  year.  While  the  calamities  and  dangers  of  war 
have  visited  so  many  of  our  sister  States,  we  have  been  per 
mitted  to  enjoy  peace  and  prosperity  within  the  borders  of  our 
State ;  the  earth  has  been  bountiful  in  its  productions  to  us,  and 
our  harvest  plentiful;  commerce,  manufactures  and  all  the  arts 
and  vocations  of  peace  have  flourished  with  unusual  prosperity. 
And  all  of  this  has  been  vouchsafed  to  us  while  the  nation  has 
been,  and  is,  in  a  fierce  and.  bloody  contest  for  its  life  and  in 
tegrity — a  contest  in  which  the  brave  and  noble  sons  of  Wis 
consin  have  shown  unsurpassed  endurance,  heroism  and  de 
votion  to  our  country 's  sacred  cause  upon  so  many  battle  fields ; 
and,  thus  bravely  acting  their  part  in  the  suppression  of  the 
rebellion,  and  assisting  in  driving  the  enemy  from  his  strong 
holds,  have  conferred  honor  and  renown  upon  themselves  and 
our  beloved  State. 

Thanks  to  God  who  gave  them  such  loyal  and  stout  hearts  and 
strong  arms!     Thanks  to  him  for  the  success  that  has  aceom-- 
panied  our  army  within  the  past  year,  bringing  nearer  to  us 
constantly  a  permanent  national  peace,  unity  and  happiness. 

Now,  therefore,  in  compliance  with  a  time-honored  custom, 
and  conforming  to  a  recent  proclamation  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States  appointing  a  day  of  National  Thanksgiving,  I, 
EDWARD  SALOMON,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  do 
hereby  appoint  THURSDAY,  26th  day  of  November,  1863,  as  a 
day  of  Thanksgiving  and  Best,  and  request  the  people  of  the- 
State  of  Wisconsin  that,  laying  aside  all  their  secular  pursuits^ 


GOVERNOR  SALOMON  tl863~ 

they  repair  on  that  day  to  their  accustomed  places  of  worship, 
there  to  offer  their  gratitude  to  God  for  the  blessings  and  favors 
we  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy  during  the  past  year.  And 
in  that  gratitude  let  us  not  omit  to  remember  the  many  noble 
and  departed  heroes  who  have  laid  their  lives  upon  the  altar  of 
our  common  country,  to  save  it  from  destruction  and  ruin;  nor 
their  weeping  widows,  orphans,  relatives  and  friends;  nor  those 
who  have  sacrificed  health  and  limbs  in  this  great  national 
struggle;  nor  those  who  yet  so  bravely  stand  around  the  flag 
of  the  Union. 

Let  us  remember  them  and  those  that  are  dear  to  them.  Let 
us  comfort  and  assist  them  in  their  affliction  and  their  struggles. 
In  offering  our  Thanks,  let  them  be  mingled  with  Prayers  for 
a  speedy  and  permanent  restoration  of  peace,  unity  and  hap 
piness  to  our  distracted  country. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name 
and  caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be 
affixed.  Done  at  Madison,  the  twelfth  day  of  October  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-three. 

EDWARD  SALOMON. 


198 


Governor  James  T.   Lewis 
From  a  photograph  in  possession  or  the  Wisconsin  Historical  Society 


1 864-66]       SKETCH  OF  GOVERNOR  LEWIS 


1864-1866.     James  Taylor  Lewis 

Biographical  Sketch 

James  Taylor  Lewis,  ninth.  Governor  of  Wisconsin,  was  born 
at  Clarendon,  Orleans  County,  New  York,  October  30,  1819,  the 
son  of  Shubael  Lewis,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  Eleanor 
(Robertson)  Lewis,  a  native  of  Scotland.  He  was  educated  at 
€larkson  Academy  and  Clinton  Seminary,  both  in  western  New 
York.  After  teaching  school  for  a  few  years,  he  began  the 
study  of  law  in  1842,  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  had. good 
opportunities  to  practice  in  his  home  county.  Coming  to 
Wisconsin  in  1845  he  settled  at  Columbus  in  Portage  (now 
Columbia)  County,  where  he  resided  until  his  death.  He  took 
up  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  for  a  time  was  the  only 
lawyer  in  the  county. 

In  1846,  Mr.  Lewis  married  Orlina  M.  Sturges  of  his  native 
place  in  New  York.  He  was  chosen  county  judge,  later  district 
attorney,  and  sat  as  a  member  of  the  Second  Constitutional 
Convention,  1847-48.  Judge  Lewis  was  one  of  the  organizer! 
of  the  State  Historical  Society  in  1849,  and  continued  his  mem 
bership  therein  so  long  as  he  lived.  In  New  York  he  had  been 
a  lieutenant  in  the  Two  Hundred  Fifteenth  Regiment  of 
militia;  in  Wisconsin  he  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Four 
teenth  Regiment  of  militia  and  later  a  brigadier-general  in  that 
service. 

He  was  elected  to  the  State  Assembly  of  1852,  in  the  autumn 
of  that  year  to  the  Senate,  and  at  the  election  of  1853  was  chosen 
Lieutenant-Governor.  At  the  end  of  his  service  in  the  last 
named  capacity,  in  January,  1856,  he  returned  to  his  law  prac 
tice,  and  was  not  active  politically  for  a  number  of  years.  Lewii 
had  always  been  a  steadfast  Democrat,  but  he  left  that  party  at 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [1864-66 

the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War.  Both  the  Union  and  Republican 
conventions  nominated  him  for  Secretary  of  State  in  1861,  and 
he  was  elected  to  that  office. 

In  1863  he  was  nominated  for  Governor  by  the  Union-Repub 
lican"  convention,  and  elected  by  a  large  majority.  The  war 
was  now  drawing  heavily  on  the  resources  of  the  State,  and 
the  Governor  wisely  exerted  himself  to  secure  economy  in  the 
use  both  of  money  and  of  men.  At  the  same  time  he  was  ener 
getic  in  supplying  the  troops  that  were  called  for,  and  in 
providing  the  best  possible  care  for  the  sick  and  wounded 
soldiers. 

It  was  his  privilege  to  proclaim  the  end  of  the  war  and  to 
welcome  the  returning  troops.  He  was  also  a  strong  advocate 
of  soldiers'  and  sailors'  orphans'  homes  for  the  care  of  those 
whose  services  to  the  State  and  the  Union  had  rendered  them 
incapable  of  supporting  themselves  or  those  dependent  upon 
them.  At  the  close  of  his  term  he  declined  a  re-nomination  and 
retired  to  private  life.  Governor  Lewis  was  soon  offered  a 
foreign  mission,  but  declined  this  honor  as  he  did  several  other 
State  and  national  offices.  He  thereafter  rarely  took  an  active 
part  in  political  affairs,  but  the  welfare  of  the  State  was  always 
of  interest  to  him,  especially  its  University  and  other  educa 
tional  and  benevolent  institutions. 

He  died  on  August  4,  1904,  about  a  year  after  the  death  of  his 
wife. 


[200] 


1864]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


1864.   .Seventeenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  13- 

April  4 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  14,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 
from  which  are  taken  the  folowing  extracts,  relating  to  the  war : 

Fellow  Citizens  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

The  welfare  of  our  State  being  the  object  of  our  meeting  here 
to-day,  it  is  fitting  that  our  thanks  should  first  go  out  to  Him 
whose  care  is  over  all  His  creatures,  who  supplies  our  wants, 
presides  over  our  councils,  and  gives  us  wisdom  to  guide  them, 
for  the  many  blessings  we  are  now  permitted  to  enjoy,  and  that 
we  should  with  devout  hearts  ask  the  continuance  of  them. 

Seldom  has  any  people  had  greater  reasons  to  be  thankful. 
While  passions,  wild  and  terrible,  have  seemed  to  guide  the 
councils  of  some  of  our  sister  States,  bringing  upon  them  the 
devastations  of  war  and  its  concomitant  evils;  while  disease 
and  famine  are  staring  them  in  the  face,  Wisconsin  is  quietly 
and  calmly  pursuing  the  even  tenor  of  her  ways;  her  people 
are  enjoying  the  blessings  of  health ;  her  granaries  are  filled  to 
overflowing,  and  peace  and  plenty  reign  within  her  borders. 


[Statement  of  funds  utilized  for  military  purposes:] 

Receipts  into  the  Allotment  Fund  during  fiscal  year  just 

closed  amounted  to sr $482,005  86 

Disbursements  during  year 451,269  1$ 

«7  The  "allotment  fund"  was  not  strictly  a  fund.  It  was  rather  a 
method  for  transmitting  the  pay  or  allotments  of  the  volunteers  to 
their  families  at  home. — ED. 

[201] 


GOVERNOR   LEWIS  [1864- 

Balance  in  fund  September  30th,  1862 1,927  76 

Balance  in  fund  September  30th,  1863 32,664  46 

The  amount  disbursed  during  the  last  fiscal  year  by  the  Gpv- 

ernor,  for  the  benefit  of  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  was  13,999  91 
The  amount  received  into  the  War  Fund  during  the  last 
fiscal  year,  including  the  balance  in  the  fund  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  year,  was 818 , 032  44 

Amount  disbursed  from  this  fund  during  same  period  was  786,892  85 

Balance  in  fund  September  30th,  1863 31,139  59 

The  whole  amount  of  State  indebtedness,  on  the  first  day  of 
the  present  month,  was  seventeen  hundred  and  seventy-five 
thousand  dollars.  This  debt  was  created,  pursuant  to  provi 
sions  of  law,  by  the  issue  of  State  bonds  and  certificates  of  in 
debtedness,  the  bonds  bearing  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per 
cent  per  annum,  and  the  certificates  at  the  rate  of  seven  per 
cent  per  annum. 

The  money  arising  from  the  sale  of  these  bonds  and  certifi 
cates,  has  been  expended,  pursuant  to  law,  for  building   the 
State  Capitol;  payment  of  tax  levied  by  the  General  Govern 
ment  upon  the  property  of  the  State,  for  war  purposes;  pay 
ment  of  bounty  of  five  dollars  per  month  to  the  families  of 
volunteers;    boarding    soldiers,    and    preparing    them    for    the 
field;  caring  for  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,   and  other  war 
purposes.     The  greater  proportion  of  this  debt,   having  been 
created  for  war  purposes,  is  a  legitimate  charge  against  the 
General   Government.     The  General   Government  has  already 
repaid  a  part  of  the  money  advanced  by  the  State  for  carrying 
on  the  war,  and,  I  doubt  not,  will  eventually  repay  the  bal 
ance.     This  money,  if  refunded,  will  be  sufficient  to  liquidate 
all  State  indebtedness,  and  should  be  applied  to  that  purpose. 
The  amount  paid  to  families  of  volunteers,  from  the  com 
mencement  of  the  war  up  to  January  1st,  1864,  was  $1,197, 
044.70.      Amount    paid    on    United    States    tax,    $441,735.37. 
Amount  paid  for  building  State  Capitol,  from  avails  of  bonds 
sold,  $100,000.     Amount  advanced  by  the  State,  for  boarding 
and  equipping  soldiers,  caring  for  sick  and  other  war  expenses 

[202] 


J864]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

not  enumerated  above,  and  still  a  charge  against  the  General 
Government,  about  $200,000.  Amount  still  due  the  State  from 
banks,  on  sale  of  war  bonds  during  the  year  1861,  $173,950. 

*#*####* 

Relying  as  we  do  on  the  militia  for  defense  in  great  and  sud 
den  emergencies,  good  policy  would  seem  to  require  its  thor 
ough  and  efficient  organization.  With  this  end  in  view,  the 
militia  law  of  last  winter  was  doubtless  enacted,  but  being 
passed  hurriedly,  near  the  close  of  the  session,  is  necessarily 
imperfect  and  needs  much  amendment.38  Under  its  provisions, 
however,  a  partial  organization  has  been  effected.  By  this  act 
the  militia  of  the  State  is  divided  into  two  classes.  The  first 
t'lass  denominated  the  organized  militia,  intended  for  immedi- 
.ate  service  should  occasion  require,  consists  of  four  regiments 
and  one  battalion  of  infantry,  and  two  batteries  of  artillery, 
snd  numbers  four  thousand  and  thirty-two  men.  The  second 
class,  consisting  of  all  persons  subject  to  military  duty  not  in 
cluded  in  the  first  class,  is  denominated  the  enrolled  militia. 
The  number  of  persons  in  the  State  belonging  to  this  class  is 
ninety-five  thousand  eight  hundred  and  twelve. 

Of  her  volunteers  in  the  field,  Wisconsin  has  reason  to  be 
proud.  She  sent  forth  noble  men,  and  nobly  have  they  done 
their  duty.  By  deeds  of  valor  they  have  won  the  high  position 
they  now  occupy.  Troops  from  other  Northern  States  are  en 
titled  to  great  credit.  We  yet  must  claim  for  Wisconsin  soldiers 
the  highest  meed  of  praise. 

In  response  to  the  calls  of  the  General  Government,  Wiscon 
sin  had  sent  to  the  field  on  the  first  day  of  November  last,  ex 
clusive  of  three  months*  men,  thirty-four  regiments  of  infantry, 
three  regiments  and  one  company  of  cavalry,  twelve  batteries 
light  artillery,  three  batteries  of  heavy  artillery,  and  one  com 
pany  of  sharpshooters.  Making  an  aggregate  of  forty-one 


ss  The  militia  law  referred  to,  is  contained  in  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1863, 
chap.  242.  The  desired  amendments  were  made  by  Id,  1864,  chap. 
407.— ED. 

[203] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  tl864~ 

thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five  men.  Of  this  num 
ber  sixteen  thousand  nine  hundred  and  sixty-three  have  been 
lost  to  the  service  by  death,  discharge  and  desertions,  leaving 
in  the  service  on  the  first  day  of  November  last,  twenty-four 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  twelve  men.  The  State  can  never 
fully  repay  our  soldiers  for  the  sacrifice  they  have  made  and 
are  now  making.  It  can  and  should  do  much  to  aid  them,  how 
ever,  by  adding  to  their  comforts  in  the  field  and  in  hospitals^ 
caring  for  their  families,  and  assisting  them  in  procuring  their 
pay  for  services  rendered  the  Government. 

Much  trouble,  delay  and  inconvenience  has  been  experienced 
by  those  entitled  to  bounties,  back  pay  and  pensions,  in  obtain 
ing  their  just  dues.  Whether  the  State  cannot  further  aid 
this  class  of  persons  in  establishing  and  procuring  payment  of 
these  claims,  is  a  subject  well  worthy  your  attention. 

Many  of  our  volunteers  have  been  transferred  to  the  Invalid 
Corps.39  The  families  of  these  soldiers  are  equally  entitled  to 
the  aid  furnished  by  the  State,  with  those  who  remain  in  their 
regiments.  Provision  should  be  made  for  their  payment,  upon 
proper  reports  being  furnished  from  officers  in  command  of 
this  corps. 

Provision  was  made,  at  the  last  session  of  the  Legislature, 
for  the  payment  to  the  families  of  certain  deceased  soldiers, 
of  five  dollars  per  month  for  six  months  after  the  death  of  the 
soldier.  I  doubt  not  the  intention  of  the  Legislature  was  to  ex 
tend  this  benefit  to  the  families  of  all  deceased  soldiers  residing 
in  the  State,  but  from  the  wording  of  the  act  it  could  only  be  paid 
to  the  families  of  soldiers  who  were  in  the  service  at  the  time  of 


39  The  Invalid  Corps  was  organized  in  1863  to  give  employment  to 
the  thousands  of  partially-disabled  volunteers  in  the  army  who  were 
unfit  for  further  active  service  in  the  field.  To  it  were  assigned  the 
lighter  military  and  civil  duties  connected  with  the  provost  guard, 
the  depots  of  the  quartermaster's  and  subsistence  departments,  the 
hospital  service,  and  the  garrisoning  of  seaboard  forts.  See  Rebellion 
Records,  gen.  index,  under  "Invalid  Corps." — ED. 

[204] 


I864]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

its  passage,  and  who  died  in  the  service  after  that  date.  This 
law  should  be  so  amended  as  to  extend  equal  benefits  to  the 
families  of  all  deceased  soldiers  residing  in  the  State. 

While  we  should  strive  to  do  all  in  our  power  to  protect  and 
care  for  those  who  are  entitled  to  our  protection,  we  should 
also  properly  guard  the  Treasury  against  those  who  seek,  but 
are  not  entitled  to,  aid  from  the  State.  Persons  in  affluent 
circumstances,  having  sons  in  the  army,  on  whom  they  never 
depended  for  support,  have,  in  some  instances,  sought  by  false 
representations,  to  obtain  this  bounty  offered  by  the  State. 
For  the  punishment  of  this  class  of  persons,  and  as  a  safeguard 
against  fraudulent  claims  upon  the  state  treasury,  stringent 
laws  should  be  enacted.  I  submit  herewith,  for  your  informa 
tion  upon  this  subject,  the  very  able  and  full  report  of  the 
Adjutant  General,  showing  the  condition  of  our  State  militia, 
of  our  troops  in  the  field,  and  suggesting  amendments  to .  the 
militia  law — all  of  which  I  commend  to  your  careful  considera 
tion.40 


Congress  has  very  wisely  provided  for  the  establishment  of 
an  Agricultural  College  in  our  State,  and  has  donated  two 
hundred  and  forty  thousand  acres  of  land  for  its  endowment. 
This  land  has  been  selected  during  the  past  year,  and  it  is 
said  to  be  of  a  good  quality. 

In  view  of  the  importance  of  such  an  institution  to  the  in 
terests  of  the  State,  and  of  the  fact  that  unless  it  is  established 
within  five  years  from  the  passage  of  the  act  making  the  grant, 
the  land  reverts  to  the  General  Government,  I  feel  it  my  duty 
to  urge  upon  the  Legislature  the  necessity  of  immediately  mak 
ing  provision  for  the  location  of  this  institution,  the  sale  of 


40  All  of  the  recommendations  contained  in  this  and  the  two  fore 
going  paragraphs  were  enacted  into  law  by  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1864, 
chap.  117,  which  effected  a  complete  revision  of  the  volunteer!  aid 
system  of  the  State. — ED. 

[20S] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  tl864~ 

the  lands  granted  by  Congress,  and  the  purchase  of  a  farm  and 
erection  of  buildings  thereon;  in  short,  the  necessity  of  com 
plying  with  the  conditions  of  the  grant  in  order  that  we  may 
reap  its  benefits. 

The  events  of  the  last  two  years  having  so  fully  demon 
strated  the  want  of  a  school  within  our  State  where  military 
instruction  may  be  obtained,  I  would  also  suggest  the  pro 
priety  of  incorporating  into  the  organic  act  establishing  this, 
college,  a  provision  requiring  that  a  prescribed  amount  of  mili 
tary  instruction  shall  be  included  in  its  course  of  study,  suf 
ficient  at  least  to  ground  its  students  in  the  rudiments  of  mili 
tary  science.41 

*##*****: 

Complaints  are  made  in  different  parts  of  the  State 
cf  fraudulent  voting;  that  men  who  have  long  exercised  the 
right  of  the  elector  and  claimed  the  protection  of  the  Govern 
ment,  now  in  the  day  of  the  Nation's  peril,  being  unwilling" 
to  bear  its  burdens,  claim  to  be  subjects  of  a  foreign  power, 
and  to  avoid  the  draft  bring  forward  proof  that  they  were 
never  entitled  to  vote,  thus  publishing  their  own  wrong;  that 
some  have  been  in  the  habit  of  voting  under  assumed  names; 
that  others  have  voted  more  than  once  at  the  same  election. 
These  evils,  if  they  exist,  should  be  corrected.  The  purity 
and  permanency  of  our  institutions  depend  much  upon  the 
proper  exercise  of  the  elective  franchise.  The  election  laws 
should  be  thoroughly  examined  and  so  amended  as  to  properly 
guard  the  exercise  of  this  sacred  right.42 

In  commenting,  as  we  have  thus  far,  upon  subjects  more 
immediately  connected  with  our  State  affairs,  we  are  not  un- 


A  Military  Instruction  was  established  in  the  University  by  Id,  1866, 
chap.  114,  in  fulfillment  of  one  of  the  requirements  of  the  College  Land 
Grant  Act  of  July  2,  1862.— ED. 

*2Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1864,  chap.  445,  provided  for  the  registration  of 
voters,  "to  guard  against  the  abuse  of  the  elective  franchise  and  to  pre 
serve  the  purity  of  elections."— Eb. 

[206] 


i864]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

mindful  that  we  owe  allegiance  to  the  General  Government, 
and  have  duties  to  perform  in  connection  therewith. 

Notwithstanding  peace  and  plenty  reign  within  the  border* 
of  our  State,  we  cannot  lose  sight  of  the  fact  that  the  nation 
is  engaged  in  war — a  war  of  great  magnitude  and  importance; 
of  imm'ense  importance  to  us  as  a  State;  of  immense  import 
ance  to  the  world. 

The  interests,  the  hopes  and  fears  of  millions  now  han£ 
trembling  in  the  balance,  and  the  position  of  our  State  may 
turn  the  scale.  How  important  that  we  examine  carefully 
the  ground  on  which  we  stand,  and  that  we  are  found  arrayed 
upon  the  side  of  justice  and  humanity. 

Wisconsin  is  now  standing  side  by  side  with  all  the  Free 
States  in  support  of  the  General  Government;  in  support  of 
law  and  order;  in  support  of  freedom.  The  important  ques 
tion  which  presents  itself  to  our  mind  is,  are  we  right  in  our 
position?  If  we  are,  it  is  our  duty  to  go  forward,  press  on 
the  war  with  renewed  energy  until  victory  and  peace  shall 
crown  our  efforts.  If  wrong,  our  first  duty  should  be  to 
place  ourselves  in  a  true  and  correct  position.  In  judging  of 
this  matter,  we  may  very  properly  ask  ourselves  the  question, 
are  our  minds  free  from  prejudice  and  passion?  It  is  natural 
that  the  monarchs  of  the  old  world,  as  well  as  the  aristocrats 
upon -our  own  soil,  impressed  with  the  dangers  that  threaten 
their  tenure  of  place  and  power  from  the  spread  of  our  free 
principles,  should  desire  the  downfall  of  this  Government,  and 
to  accomplish  this  end  should  counsel  the  withdrawal  of  our 
armies,  and  the  final  separation  of  these  States.  There  may 
be  those,  also,  in  our  midst  whose  narrow  prejudices,  whose 
love  of  gain  or  fear  of  personal  harm,  will  induce  them  to 
withhold  support  from  the  Administration,  favor  the  with 
drawal  of  our  troops,  and  the  consequent  destruction  of  the 
Government.  Our  faith,  however,  in  the  integrity  and  loyalty 
of  our  people,  is  too  strong  to  permit  us  to  believe  there  are 
many  of  this  class  of  persons  in  our  State.  It  is  true  some 
within  our  borders  may  have  arrayed  themselves  against  the 

[207] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [l8<H- 

Government,  but  we  have  the  charity  to  believe  that  most  of 
them  were  but  temporarily  misled,  and  that  they  will,  when 
their  eyes  are  opened  to  their  true  position,  place  themselves 
on  the  side  of  law  and  order.  The  large  numbers  who  have 
gone  forth  to  battle,  the  voice  of  the  people  of  this  State  heard 
in  the  late  election,  afford  incontestible  proof,  that  with  the 
great  majority  of  our  people,  patriotism  rises  above  prejudice 
and  passion;  that  the  hearts  of  the  people  are  rightly  attuned 
io  the  music*  of  the  Union.43 

Our  people,  in  taking  their  position,  calmly  reviewed  the 
ground  and  candidly  asked,  have  the  South  any  real  griev 
ances?  4» 

"Eternal  separation  from  the  working  classes,  the  mud-sills 
of  the  North;  destruction  to  the  Government",  was  the  answer 
received  from  those  in  rebellion.  The  only  answer  to  their 
request  for  calm  discussion  and  consideration,  was  the  boom 
ing  of  the  rebel  cannon,  the  fall  of  Sumter's  walls,  and  the 
trampling  of  the  Stars  and  Stripes  in  the  dust.  Yet,  with  all 
this  provocation,  our  Government  has  prosecuted  the  war  with 
great  moderation — more  in  sorrow  than  in  anger. 

At  this  late  day,  we  would  again  calmly  ask,  what  are  the 
grievances  of  the  South,  or  upon  what  do  those  now  in  re 
bellion  base  their  action?  Can  they  find  an  excuse  for  their 
course  in  the  claim  they  first  set  up,  of  the  right  of  secession! 
This  poisonous  doctrine  needs  no  refutation  at  this  day.  It 
is  working  its  own  cure.  Even  in  the  South,  in  the  boasted 
Confederacy,  among  those  who  first  started  and  urged  this 
doctrine,  it  is  now  repudiated.  States  that  pretended  to  unite 
their  fortunes  with  the  so-called  Confederacy,  have  already 
denied  its  authority  over  them,  and  claimed  this  same  right  of 
secession,  which  is  denied,  and  coercion  threatened  by  the 


43  In  the  gubernatorial   election  of  1863,   the  Union  majority  wag 
approximately  24.000  out  of  a  total  vote  of  about  135,000.     The  military 
vote  of  8,000  was  almost  unanimous  for  the  Union  candidate,  Jamei 
T.  Lewis. — ED. 

[208] 


£863l  SOLDIERS'  FAMILIES 

rebel  Congress.  Do  they  base  their  cause  upon  the  righteous 
ness  of  Slavery?  It  has  long  since  written  its  own  shame  and 
disgrace.  The  world  has  written  "infamous"  over  against  it, 
and  thus  pronounced  its  doom. 

Did  they  complain  of  a  high  tariff?  The  tariff  was  reduced 
to  a  revenue  basis. 

Did  they  ask  representation  for  their  slaves  in  Congress? 
It  was  conceded. 

Did  they  require  the  Missouri  Compromise?     It  was  granted. 

Did  they,  after  enjoying  its  benefits,  ask  its  repeal,  that 
they  might  not  be  bound  by  those  provisions  that  militated 
against  them?  The  North  yielded  to  their  request. 

Did  they  require  Southern  men  as  diplomatic  agents  of  the 
Government  abroad,  in  order  that  their  peculiar  institution 
and  their  particular  interests,  might  be  guarded?  They  had 
them,  even  at  the  expense  of  the  commerce  of  the  Union,  and 
the  interests  of  the  North. 

Did  they  desire  Southern  men — men  in  their  interest,  upon 
the  Supreme  bench?  They  had  them. 

Did  they  require  that  a  majority  of  the  officers  of  the  army 
and  navy,  and  a  majority  of  all  the  civil  officers  of  the  Gov 
ernment  should  be  Southern  men,  and  men  in  their  interests? 
They  had  them. 

Did  they  demand  that  their  runaway  slaves  should  be  caught 
and  returned  to  them?  United  States  officers  were  upon  their 
track,  and  the  poor,  sun-dyed  African  too  dearly  paid  the 
penalty  which  Southern  chivalry  affixes  to  a  love  of  freedom. 

Do  they  rest  their  cause  upon  the  injustice  or  oppression 
of  the  North?  History,  as  well  as  their  own  best  statesmen, 
deny  the  base  slander.  The  only  fault  of  the  North,  if  it  be  a 
fault,  is  that  they  have  but  too  faithfully  "Kept  the  bond  and 
given  the  pound  of  flesh." 

"Why  then,  let  me  again  ask,  do  we  find  the  South  in  hostil 
ity  against  the  best  Government  the  world  ever  saw?  Let 
their  own  men,  the  men  who  are  now  foremost  in  the  rebellion, 
answer.  "We  desire  (say  they)  to  found  a  new  Govern- 

[209] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [1864- 

ment  whose  corner  stone  shall  rest  on  slavery.  For  liberty, 
equality,  fraternity,  to  establish  slavery  and  subordination/' 
Here,  then,  we  have  an  answer  in  their  own  words.  They  are 
arrayed  against  this  Government  because  it  is  based  upon  lib 
erty  and  equality,  upon  the  freedom  and  intelligence,  instead 
of  the  slavery  and  ignorance,  of  its  people.  We  find  them 
undertaking  to  destroy  a  Union  they  had  sworn  to  protect  and 
preserve;  undertaking  to  break  up  a  Government  they  had  no 
legal  or  equitable  power  to  dissolve;  to  roll  back  the  tide  of 
civilization,  and  establish  on  the  ruins  of  this  Republic,  a  des 
potism  of  the  most  despicable  character,  for  no  other  reason 
than  that  this  Government  seeks  to  protect  the  rights  of  its 
citizens.  Are  we  not  right,  then,  in  sustaining  the  Adminis 
tration;  in  sustaining  the  Government;  in  standing  beside  the 
free  States  of  the  North  in  support  of  law  and  order;  in  sup 
port  of  freedom? 

If  our  fathers  were  patriots  in  establishing  this  Govern 
ment,  we  certainly  cannot  be  far  wrong  in  maintaining  it. 
Believing  then,  as  we  sincerely  do,  that  the  government  is  in 
the  right,  that  it  is  fighting  in  a  holy  and  just  cause,  that  duty 
demands  of  us  action  and  sacrifice  in  its  behalf,  that  efforts  to 
patch  up  a  temporary  peace  or  obtain  it  by  concessions  to 
traitors,  are  not  only  dishonorable,  but  tend  to  protract  the 
war  and  make  it  more  expensive  and  dangerous — we  hope  to 
see  "Wisconsin  unite  all  her  energies,  without  distinction  of 
party  or  sect,  in  prosecuting  the  war  with  the  utmost  vigor. 
Let  us  sustain  the  government  and  prosecute  the  war  with  a 
will  and  determination  that  shall  carry  the  conviction  to  the 
minds  of  traitors,  that  obedience  to  the  legally  constituted 
authorities  is  the  only  course  left  to  them;  that  our  Govern 
ment  must  be  respected.  The  Union  must  stand,  and  we  shall 
soon  see  the  principles  of  liberty  and  equality  re-established 
in  every  part  of  our  National  domain,  firm  as  the  rock  of  ages, 
there  to  stand  a  blessing  to  the  world,  an  enduring  monument 
of  the  fidelity  and  patriotism  of  those  noble  men  of  the  Revo 
lution  who  founded,  and  the  noble  patriots  who  now  defend  it. 

[210] 


l864]  STATE  SURGEONS 

In  conclusion,  gentlemen,  I  will  only  add  that  in  all  efforts 
to  promote  the  interests  of  the  State  and  Nation,  you  shall  re 
ceive  my  hearty  co-operation. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 

January  14th,  1864. 


SURGEONS 

EXECUTIVE  DEPABTMENT, 

MADISON,  Jan.  21st,  1864. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

I  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  copy  of  resolution 
No.  13,  A.  In  compliance  with  the  request  conveyed  thereby, 
I  beg  leave  to  state,  that  there  are  three  Surgeons  in  the  em 
ploy  of  the  State,  in  addition  to  the  Surgeon  General.  Their 
names  and  locations  are  as  follows: 

E.  B.  Wolcott,  Surgeon  General,  located  at  Milwaukee. 
R.  G.  James,  State  Surgeon,  attached  to  5th  Wis.  Battery. 
L.  C.  Halsted,  State  Surgeon,  attached  to  7th  Wis.  Battery. 
G.  Riddell,  State  Surgeon,  attached  to  10th  Wis.  Battery. 

The  Surgeon  General  receives  a  salary  of  fifteen  hundred 
dollars  per  annum.44 

State  Surgeons  rank  as  Lieutenants,  and  receive  the  pa? 
of  Assistant  Surgeons  in  the  United  States  service,  which,  I 
am  informed,  has  lately  been  reduced  to  $112.83  per  month, 
less  the  Government  tax  of  three  per  cent  on  incomes  exceed 
ing  $600. 

One  of  the  above  State  Surgeons  has  informed  me  that  he 
intends  to  resign. 

I  may  be  permitted  further  to  remark,  that,  in  consequence 
of  late  orders  by  Generals,  in  the  field,  it  will  probably  be 


*4  The  report  of  Surgeon-General  E.  B.  Wolcott  may  he  found  in  Wis. 
Assem.  Jour.,  1864,  p.  879  ff.— ED. 

[211  ] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [1864- 

necessary  to  discontinue  soon  the  services  of  some,  if  not  all 
State  Surgeons  now  on  duty,  except  the  Surgeon  General. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


SANITARY  AGENTS 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

MADISON,  February  3d,  1864. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  copy  of 
resolution  No.  2,  A,  which  is  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency,  the  Governor,  be  requested  to  inform 
the  Assembly  how  many  agents  the  State  has  in  her  employ  with  the 
army,  their  names,  and  the  amount  of  salary  paid  each  per  month. 

In  reply,  I  would  respectfully  refer  your  honorable  body 
to  the  communication  of  Hon.  Edward  Salomon,  late  Gov 
ernor,  made  to  the  Legislature  through  the  honorable,  the 
Senate,  on  the  20th  of  January  last  and  published  in  the 
Senate  Journal  of  that  day,  which  gives  detailed  statements 
of  the  expenditures  of  the  "Soldiers'  Relief  Fund",  and  of 
the  operations  of  the  "Sanitary  Agencies"  of  this  State,  dur 
ing  the  past  year.45 

From  which  it  appears  that  on  the  first  day  of  January, 
1864,  the  following  persons  were  in  the  employ  of  the  State, 
as  agents  to  care  for  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  to  wit : 

Mrs.  C.  A.  P.  Harvey,  at  Vicksburg,  Mississippi,  and  vicinity. 
W.  Y.  Selleck,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
H.  R.  Corson,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
«€ol.  Frank  E.  Howe,  at  New  York  City,  N.  Y. 
Hon.  M.  D.  Bartlett,  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 
<Geo.  W.  Sturges,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Geo.  C.  Smith,  at  Memphis,  Tenn. 


«3  See  Wis.  Sen.  Jour.,  1864,  p.  35  ff ;  and  ante,  p.  181. — ED. 

[212] 


l864]  SANITARY  AGENTS 

Geo.  E.  Davenport,  at  Memphis,  Term. 
Rev.  J.  D.  Stevens,  at  New  Orleans,  La. 

The  rate  of  compensation  of  each  of  said  agents,  is  also 
specified  in  said  communication. 

Not  having  much  personal  knowledge  of  the  wants  of  our 
soldiers  in  this  respect,  and  wishing,  first,  to  become  more 
fully  advised  of  the  same,  either  from  personal  observation  or 
the  reports  of  those  upon  whom  I  can  rely,  I  have  not  seen 
fit,  as  yet,  to  materially  change  the  plan  of  operations  marked 
out  by  my  predecessors.  In  view,  however,  of  the  remoteness 
of  New  York  from  the  seat  of  war,  I  deemed  it  proper,  on  the 
6th  of  January,  to  discontinue  the  agency  at  that  place;  in 
the  propriety  of  which  determination,  Col.  Howe  himself  very 
frankly  acquiesced,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  following  ex 
tract  from  his  letter  to  me  on  the  subject,  viz:  ''I  feel  that 
the  necessity  may  no  longer  exist  for  an  agency  here,  but  beg 
you  will  make  use  of  my  services  in  any  way  I  can  be  of  use 
to  the  cause,  for  yourself  and  your  State." 

Not  deeming  it  necessary  to  have  more  than  one  agent  at 
Memphis,  I  have  appointed  Jacob  Low,  Esq.,  of  Lowville,  to 
that  position  for  the  term  of  ninety  days  from  January  21st, 
1864,  in  place  of  Messrs.  George  C.  Smith  and  George  E. 
Davenport,  and  have  reduced  the  compensation  of  such  agents 
from  three  dollars  per  diem  and  expenses,  to  three  dollars 
and  fifty  cents  per  diem,  including  expenses.  • 

Rev.  J.  D.  Stevens,  I  tinderstand,  was  only  temporarily 
stationed  at  New  Orleans,  and  will  probably  soon  return 
home. 

I  have  reason  to  hope  that  Mrs.  Harvey  will  soon  be  able 
to  take  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  at  Memphis  and 
below,46  and  Mr.  Sturges  of  those  at  St.  Louis,  Quincy  and 
Keokuk. 


<«  Mrs.  Cordelia  A.  P.  Harvey,  widow  of  Governor  Harvey,  was  one 
of  the  striking  figures  among  those  women  of  the  North  who  devoted 
themselves  to  the  care  of  sick  and  wounded  soldiers.  She  took  up 

[213] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [l864~ 

Mr.  Bartlett  has  returned  from  Nashville,  and  there  is  no 
agent  now  connected  with  the  army  of  the  Cumberland.  I 
think  there  should  be  at  least  one  good  agent  stationed  at 
Nashville.  The  large  number  of  Wisconsin  soldiers  in  that 
section,  in  my  opinion,  fully  warrant  it. 

I  have  already  caused  inquiry  to  be  made  as  to  the  neces 
sity  of  continuing  the  agency  at  Philadelphia,  and  if  I  find 
it  to  be  unnecessary,  I  shall  discontinue  the  same,  and  place 
the  general  oversight  of  our  soldiers  in  hospital  at  that  place, 
in  the  hands  of  the  agent  at  Washington. 

In  conclusion,  I  desire  to  tender  you  my  hearty  co-opera 
tion  in  all  measures  you  may  adopt,  tending  to  promote  the 
comfort  and  restore  the  health  of  our  soldiers,  in  so  far  as  the 
same  shall  appear  practicable  and  proper. 

Respectfully, 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


GETTYSBURG  CEMETERY 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 
MADISON,  February  18th,  1864. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

I  herewith  lay  before  you  the  report  of  W.  Y.  Selleck  in 
regard  to  the  Soldiers'  National  Cemetery,  at  Gettysburg,*7 
and  would  recommend  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  in 
quire  into  the  necessity  of  further  legislation  upon  this  sub- 


and  carried  on  with  noble  enthusiasm  the  work  for  which  Governor 
Harvey  had  given  his  life.  She  was  instrumental  in  securing  the 
establishment  of  Northern  hospitals,  to  which  sick  and  wounded  sol 
diers  might  be  removed  for  recovery.  See  E.  A.  Hum,  Wisconsin 
Women  in  the  War  (Madison,  1911);  and  post,  p.  279,  note  80. — ED. 
«  See  Wis.  Assem.  Jour.,  1864,  p.  302  ff. — ED. 

[214] 


GETTYSBURG  CEMETERY 

ject  on  the  part  of  this  State.48  I  shall  be  pleased  to  lay 
before  such  committee  all  information  in  my  possession  bear 
ing  upon  the  subject. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


48  A  joint  committee  was  appointed,  upon  whose  recommendation  the 
Legislature  appropriated  $2,523  as  Wisconsin's  share  in  the  establish 
ment  of  a  Soldiers'  National  Cemetery  at  Gettysburg. — ED. 


[215] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  tl864- 

1864.    In  Legislative  Recess 

The  Governor  .issued  the  following 

THANKSGIVING  DAY  PROCLAMATION 

Another  year  has  passed;  its  trials,  its  victories,  its  re 
wards,  its  punishments,  its  blessings  have  been  recorded;  its 
fruits  have  been  gathered  in.  In  reviewing  them,  how  mani 
fest  are  the  reasons  for  thankfulness  and  praise  to  God  for 
his  wonderful  goodness  to  the  children  of  men.  For  the  many 
tokens  of  Divine  favor,  the  many  blessings  they  have  been 
permitted  to  enjoy,  the  people  of  Wisconsin  have  great  reason 
to  be  thankful.  Pestilence  and  famine  have  been  kept  far 
from  us.  The  labors  of  the  miner,  the  mariner,  the  mechanic 
and  the  husbandman  have  been  rewarded.  The  privileges  of 
education  and  of  worshiping  God  according  to  the  dictates  of 
conscience  have  been  enjoyed  by  all. 

The  honor  and  loyalty  of  Wisconsin  have  been  most  nobly  vin 
dicated  on  many  a  battlefield.  Wherever  our  liberties  have 
been  assailed,  an  All-wise  Creator  has  given  us  stout  hearts 
and  strong  arms  to  defend  them. 

'The  free  institutions  established  by  our  fathers  have  been 
protected  and  preserved,  and  a  wicked  and  unholy  rebellion 
brought  near  to  its  close. 

While  the  people  of  our  sister  States  have  suffered  from 
the  devastations  caused  by  hostile  armies  in  their  midst,  our 
people  have  been  spared  this  calamity.  For  all  these  and 
numerous  other  blessings,  which  God  in  His  goodness  has  vouch 
safed  to  us,  for  His  loving  kindness,  His  constant  care  and 
abundant  mercies,  we  should  with  grateful  hearts  thank  and 
praise  him. 

Therefore,  I,  JAMES  T.  LEWIS,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Wis 
consin,  in  accordance  with  a  worthy  and  time-honored  custom 
do  hereby  designate  and  appoint  Thursday,  the  24th  day  of 

\2l61 


l864]  THANKSGIVING 

November,  1864,  as  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  and  Praise  to  A1-. 
mighty  God,  and  1  would  recommend  to  the  people  that,  lay 
ing  aside  secular  pursuits,  they  meet  on  that  day  in  their  ac 
customed  places  of  worship  and  offer  thanks  to  God  for  the 
many  blessings  we  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy  during  the 
past  year;  and  with  their  thanks  let  the  earnest,  fervent  prayer 
ascend  for  the  protection  of  the  widow  and  the  orphan,  the 
noble  soldier  and  his  suffering  family,  that  we  may  all  grow 
wiser  and  better,  that  all  our  blessings  may  be  continued,  and 
that  peace  may  soon  again  visit  and  bless  our  land. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name 
and  caused  the  great  seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be 
affixed.  Done  at  Madison,  this  22d  day  of  October,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-four. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


REVISING  ENROLLMENT  LISTS 

On  November  28,  1864,  the  Governor  issued  the  following: 

Proclamation 

i 

Whereas,  under  the  recent  call  for  troops,  considerable  com 
plaint  was  made  of  the  excessive  enrollment  of  the  State;  and 
whereas,  by  special  authority  obtained  from  the  War  De* 
partment,  the  draft  was  temporarily  postponed,  in  order  that 
the  enrollment  lists  might  be  properly  revised  and  corrected; 
and  whereas,  the  time  allowed  for  this  purpose  was  necessar 
ily  short  and  it  was  found  impossible  in  the  more  distant  parts 
of  the  State  to  accomplish  the  same  prior  to  the  day  fixed  for 
the  draft,  and  whereas,  authority  is  now  given  by  the  Provost 
Marshal  General  for  the  further  correction  and  revision  of 
the  enrollment  lists,  by  striking  therefrom  the  names  of  all 
persons  improperly  enrolled  and  by  adding  thereto  the  names 
of  all  persons  liable  to  draft  which  have  been  omitted  as  here 
inafter  specified;  and  whereas,  this  is  a  matter  in  which  the 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  tl864~ 

people  of  the  State  are  deeply  interested,  now  therefore  to 
the  end  that  the  troops  hereinafter  called  for  from  this  State 
(if  any)  may  not  be  disproportionate  to  those  called  for  from 
other  states,  and  that  the  quotas  assigned  to  the  States  may 
be  justly  and  equally  distributed  between  the  several  towns 
and  wards  thereof,  I,  James  T.  Lewis,  Governor  of  the  State 
of  Wisconsin  do  issue  this  my  proclamation,  requesting  and 
recommending  that  all  good  citizens,  and  particularly  the  town, 
city  and  village  authorities  shall  make  timely  and  persistent 
efforts  to  thoroughly  revise  and  correct  the  enrollment  lists  of 
their  respective  localities,  and  as  to  the  manner  of  doing  this 
and  the  authority  therefor,  I  would  call  special  attention  to 
the  following  extracts  from  Circular  No.  39  Provost  Marshal 
General's  Office  bearing  date  the  15th  inst. 

The  attention  of  the  Board  of  Enrollment  is  called  to  Section  6  of 
the  act  amendatory  of  the  Enrollment  Act  which  is  in  the  following 
words.  Viz: 

Section  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  Boards  of  Enrollment 
shall  enroll  all  persons  liable  to  draft  under  the  provisions  of  this  Act, 
and  the  Act  to  which  this  is  an  amendment,  whose  names  have  been 
omitted  by  the  proper  enrolling  officers;  all  persons  who  shall  arrive 
at  the  age  of  twenty  years  before  the  draft;  all  aliens  who  shall  de 
clare  their  intention  to  become  citizens;  all  persons  discharged  from 
the  military  or  naval  service  of  the  United  States  who  have  not  been 
in  such  service  two  years  during  the  present  war;  all  persons  who 
have  not  been  exempted  under  the  provisions  of  the  second  section  of 
the  act  to  which  this  is  an  amendment,  but  who  are  not  exempted  by 
the  provisions  of  this  act;  and  said  Boards  of  Enrollment  shall  re 
lease  and  discharge  from  draft  all  persons  who,  between  the  time  of 
the  enrollment  and  the  draft  shall  have  arrived  at  the  age  of  forty- 
five  years,  and  shall  strike  the  names  of  such  persons  from  the  enroll 
ment. 

It  is  to  be  borne  in  mind  by  the  Boards,  that  their  duties  in  regard 
to  the  correction  of  the  enrollment  do  not  cease  with  its  revision  at 
recently  completed  or  now  in  progress.  On  the  contrary,  the  revisiom 
and  correction  of  these  lists  is  a  continuous  duty,  to  which  the  labori 
of  all  Boards  must  be  directed.  The  names  of  all  persons  liable  to  do 

[218] 


i864]  ENROLLMENT   LISTS 

military  duty  taking  up  their  residence  in  a  sub-district,  as  well  as  all 
in  the  sub-district  who  from  time  to  time  become  liable,  shall  be  added 
to  the  Enrollment  lists;  and  the  names  of  persons  who  enlist  into  the 
military  or  naval  service,  or  remove  permanently  from  a  district,  or 
whose  liability  terminates  while  in  it,  will  be  stricken  off;  and  in  case 
of  removal,  whenever  it  is  practicable  the  Board  of  Enrollment  of  the 
district  to  which  the  person  removes  will  be  notified,  and  he  will  be 
enrolled  by  that  board. 

The  Board  of  Enrollment  shall  have  copies  of  the  enrollment  listp 
open  to  the  examination  of  the  public  at  all  proper  times,  and  shall 
give  public  notice  that  any  person  may  appear  before  the  Board  and 
Iiave  any  name  stricken  off  from  the  lisf,  if  he  can  show  to  the  satis 
faction  of  the  Board,  that  the  person  named  is  not  properly  enrolled 
on  account  of — 

1st.  Alienage;  2d.  Non-residence;  3d.  Over  age;  4th.  Permanent  dis 
ability  of  such  a  degree  as  to  render  the  person  not  a  proper  subject 
for  enrollment  under  the  law  and  regulations;  5th.  Having  served  in 
the  military  or  naval  service  two  years  during  the  present  war,  and 
been  honorably  discharged. 

Civil  officers,  clergymen  and  all  other  prominent  citizens,  are  invited 
to  appear  at  all  times  before  the  Board  to  point  out  errors  in  the  lists 
and  to  aid  in  the  correction  and  revision  thereof. 

And  also  to  the  following  extracts  from  instructions  to 
Col.  Lovell,  A.  A.  Provost  Marshal  General  of  this  State  ac- 
•companying  said  circular. 

It  is  plainly  for  the  interest  of  each  sub-district  to  have  stricken 
from  the  lists  all  names  improperly  enrolled,  because  an  excess  of 
names  increases  the  quota  called  for  from  such  sub-district,  and  that 
1t  is  equally  for  the  interest  of  each  person  enrolled  in  a  given  sub-dis 
trict  to  place  upon  the  lists  all  persons  liable  to  do  military  duty,  be 
cause  the  greater  the  number  to  be  drawn  from  the  less  the  chance 
that  any  particular  individual  will  be  drawn. 

It  is  the  personal  interest  of  every  enrolled  man  that  the  quota  in 
which  he  is  concerned  shall  not  be  made  too  large  and  that  his  own 
chance  for  draft  shall  not  be  unjustly  increased.  Both  these  objects 
will  be  attained  if  all  parties  will  aid  in  striking  out  the  wrong  names, 
and  putting  in  the  right  ones.  Especially  is  this  the  interest  of  those 
•drafted  men  who,  by  putting  in  substitutes  themselves  liable  to  draft, 

[219] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [1864- 

have  secured  exemption  which,  by  the  terms  of  the  law,  holds  good 
only  until  the  present  enrollment  is  exhausted  in  their  sub-districts. 

Men  who  are  over  forty-five  years  of  age  and  in  consequence  excused 
by  law  from  the  performance  of  duty  in  the  field,  owe  it  to  the  cause 
and  to  the  country  to  take  a  zealous  and  active  part  in  the  correction 
of  the  enrollment  lists — a  military  service  of  the  first  importance. 

The  law  requires  that  quotas  shall  be  assigned  in  proportion  to  the 
enrollment;  and  the  fairness  and  justice  of  this  mode  of  determining 
the  amount  of  military  service  due  from  each  and  every  section  of  the 
country  cannot  be  doubted,  if  the  enrollment  is  made  as  nearly  perfect 
.as  it  is  practicable  to  make  it.  The  amount  of  service  due  to  the 
nation  from  every  town  and  county  is  thus  laid  fairly  and  plainly  be 
fore  the  citizens  and  I  am  sure  that  a  higher  motive  than  selfish  in 
terest  will  prompt  all  to  do  their  share  in  perfecting  the  enrollment, 
and  securing  a  just  and  efficient  execution  of  the  laws  for  raising 
troops,  whenever  it  becomes  necessary  to  apply  them. 

Confer  with  the  state  and  local  authorities,  and  present  the  foregoing 
views  to  them,  and  secure  if  possible,  prompt  and  practical  assistance 
from  them  in  perfecting  the  enrollment  lists.  The  subject  should  re 
ceive  the  attention  of  the  town,  precinct,  and  ward  meetings  and  com 
mittees. 

Deputy  Provost  Marshals  and  special  agents  will  be  required  to  de 
vote  all  the  labor  possible  to  this  service  in  their  respective  counties. 
They  must  communicate  with  the  local  authorities,  clergymen,  and 
other  prominent  citizens,  as  to  the  accuracy  of  the  present  lists,  and 
the  corrections  necessary  to  be  made. 

As  far  as  practicable  they  should  be  required  to  visit  each  sub-dis 
trict,  carrying  with  them  a  copy  of  the  list  for  such  sub-district,  which 
should  be  compared  with  the  poll  books  of  the  sub-district,  and  having 
corrected  it  ,a  true  copy  plainly  written,  should  be  posted  at  the  places 
of  voting  in  the  sub-district,  with  a  notice  attached  thereto,  calling 
upon  the  citizens  to  suggest  any  further  corrections  that  may  have 
been  overlooked. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereto  subscribed  my  name 
and  caused  the  great  seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be 
affixed.  Done  at  Madison  this  twenty-eighth  day  of  Novem 
ber,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-four.  JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 

[220] 


l865l  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


1865.    Eighteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  11- 

April  10 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  12,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  which  were  made  the  following  references  to  the  military 
-affairs  of  the  State : 

Fellow  Citizens  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 

In  obedience  to  the  requirements  of  the  Constitution,  it 
again  becomes  my  duty  to  communicate  to  the  Legislature  the 
condition  of  the  State,  and  to  recommend  such  matters  as  I 
may  deem  expedient  for  their  consideration. 

When  we  contemplate  the  condition  of  our  country,  its  neces 
sities,  the  manner  in  which  it  has  been  preserved  through  all 
its  trials,  our  minds  naturally  turn  to  Him  whose  care  has 
been  over  us,  who  has  protected  and  preserved  us  in  all  the 
trying  scenes  through  which  we  have  been  called  upon  to  pass. 

For  the  preservation  of  our  liberties;  for  His  care  and  pro 
tection  over  those  who  have  gone  forth  and  are  now  risking 
their  lives  in  defense  of  the  principles  upon  which  our  happi 
ness  and  prosperity  rest;  for  life,  health  and  plenty;  for  the 
guidance  of  that  Unseen  Hand  which  has  led  us  through  all 
our  dangers;  for  that  gleam  of  light  we  now  see  breaking 
through  the  clouds  and  darkness  that  have  for  the  last  four 
years  surrounded  us;  for  these  and  many  other  blessings  of 
which  we  have  been  the  recipients,  let  us  render  thanks  to 
our  Heavenly  Father,  and  let  us  ask  the  continuance  of  His 
favor — His  guidance  in  future. 

The  duties  of  the  Legislator  are  ever  important  and  respon- 
ible.  It  would  be  difficult  to  fix  bounds  to  the  influence  that 
its  acts  exert.  Man  can  confide  to  his  fellow  man  no  higher 

.  [221  ] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [l865~ 

tru&t  than  the  power  to  legislate  for  him;  but  doubly  import 
ant  do  these  duties  become  in  times  like  the  present,  when 
men's  passions  are  excited,  when  nations  are  convulsed,  and 
the  destiny  of  ages  seems  hanging  upon  the  result  of  the  trans 
actions  of  a  single  day.  If  ever  the  legislator  needed  Divine 
influence — wisdom  from,  on  High  to  guide  him,  he  needs  it 
now.  You  are  not  alone  to  care  for  the  local  interests  of  your 
immediate  constituents;  your  acts  will  encourage  the  patriotic 
soldier,  and  all  the  friends  of  freedom,  or  they  will  encourage 
the  enemies  of  the  Government  jn  their  mad  schemes  to  sub 
vert  its  authority.  Your  acts  should,  and  doubtless  will,  aid 
in  the  promotion  of  liberty.  They  should  vindicate  the  prin 
ciples  upon  which  our  Government  rests,  for  if  these  be  obliter 
ated  by  the  rebellion  of  the  South,  the  cunningly  devised 
schemes  and  frauds  of  those  in  our  own  midst,  or  from  any 
other  cause,  our  liberties  are  gone.  May  they  all  tend  to  pro 
mote  the  good  of  the  State  and  nation,  and  the  good  of  all 
mankind.  In  all  such  acts  you  will  receive  my  hearty  co-oper 
ation. 
******** 

[Statement  of  funds  utilized  for  military  purposes] 

Total  disbursements  from  War  Fund  for  families  of  vol 
unteers  $615,693  6* 

•  ***«*** 

Total  receipts  into  Soldiers'  Relief  Fund 13,443  0* 

Balance  in  Fund 3,973  90 

(The  above  statement  is  exclusive  of  last  appropriation,  said  appro 
priation  not  yet  having  been  entered  on  the  books  of  the  Departments.) 

Total  receipts  into  Allotment  Fund $400,038  90 

Balance  in  Fund 36 , 725  28 

Total  receipts  into  War  Fund 632,403  15 

Balance  in  Fund 2>173  8T 

Several  appropriations  have  heretofore  been  made  to  the  Gov 
ernor,  for  military  contingent  expenses.  The  Legislature  at  its 
session  in  the  year  1863,  passed  an  act  providing  for  a  Military 

[  222  ] 


i865l  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

Comingent  Fund,  appropriating  to  the  Governor  the  sum  of 
three  thousand  dollars,  and  making  it  his  duty  to  report  to 
the  Legislature  at  each  session,  the  amount  expended  from 
said  fund.49  Seeing  no  necessity  for  the  use  of  the  fund,  1 
have  made  no  drafts  upon  it,  and  have  the  honor  therefore  to 
report,  that  the  money  belonging  to  the  Military  Contingent 
Fund,  except  so  far  as  the  same  had  been  drawn  by  my  pre 
decessors,  remains  in  the  State  Treasury  unexpended. 

It  has  been  customary  for  the  Legislature  at  each  session  to 
appropriate  to  the  Governor  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars 
for  contingent  expenses.  Of  the  money  appropriated  at  the 
last  session  for  this  object,  I  have  found  it  necessary  to  use 
but  a  small  proportion.  The  balance  unexpended  and  now 
remaining  in  the  State  Treasury  being  sufficient,  in  my  judg 
ment,  to  meet  these  expenses  for  several  years  to  come,  I 
would  recommend  that  no  appropriation  for  this  object  be 
made  at  the  present  session. 

The  amount  of  State  indebtedness  is  two  millions  and  five 
thousand  dollars.  "With  the  exception  of  one  hundred  thou 
sand  dollars  borrowed,  and  used  for  the  purpose  of  erecting 
the  State  Capitol,  this  debt  was  created  for  war  purposes,  and 
is  a  legitimate  charge  against  the  General  Government.  Large 
amounts  advanced  by  the  State,  for  the  purposes  above  named, 
have  already  been  repaid.  Vouchers  for  a  considerable  further 
amount,  are  now  in  the  hands  of  the  proper  United  States 
auditing  officers.  Others  will  soon  be  presented,  and  we  con 
fidently  hope  and  expect  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant,  when 
all  the  money  advanced  by  the  State,  for  war  purposes,  will 
be  refunded  by  the  General  Government,  and  the  whole  debt 
of  the  State,  except  the  hundred  thousand  dollars  used  in 
erecting  the  State  Capitol,  liquidated  thereby.50  Authority 


49  See  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1863,  chap.  141. — ED. 

eo  Wisconsin's  war  claim  against  the  Federal  government  amounted 
originally  to'  $1,742,202.  By  1872  all  of  it  had  been  allowed  and  paid, 
excepting  a  doubtful  balance  of  $93,833.  The  State  authorities  of  that 

[223  ] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  tl865- 

should  be  given  to  the  State  Treasurer  to  pay  off  any  bonds 
outstanding  against  the  State,  before  maturing,  whenever  they 
are  presented,  and  the  surplus  in  the  State  Treasury  will  war 
rant  him  in  so  doing.51 

******** 

The  attention  of  the  Legislature  has  frequently  been  called 
to  the  militia  law  of  the  State.  To  insure  a  faithful  execu 
tion  of  the  laws  an  efficient  military  force  should  be  organized 
and  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Executive.  The  amend 
ments  of  the  last  two  years  have  greatly  improved  our  militia 
system ;  yet  it  is  still  imperfect,  and  needs  further  amendment 
to  make  it  effective.52  Owing  to  the  imperfections  of  the  sys 
tem,  want  of  interest  among  the  people,  as  well  as  to  the  fre 
quent  calls  of  the  general  government  for  men,  who  must  neces 
sarily  be  drawn  to  a  great  extent  from  the  State  militia,  the 
organized  militia,  consisting  nominally  of  four  regiments  of 
infantry,  and  two  batteries  of  artillery,  is  at  present  in  a  very 
inefficient  state.  The  enrolled  militia,  consisting  of  all  per 
sons  subject  to  military  duty,  not  included  in  the  organized 
militia,  numbers  82,981  men. 

The  State  has,  at  the  present  time,  Ordnance,  Arms,  Ammu 
nition  and  Military  Stores,  as  follows: 


time  evidently  considered  this  settlement  satisfactory,  and  the  account 
was  closed.  Thirty  years  later,  however,  in  1902,  the  matter  was 
again  opened,  fo'r  the  State  now  laid  claim  to  the  amount  paid  in 
Interest  and  the  discount  sruffered  in  the  disposal  of  certain  bonds, 
the  proceeds  of  which  were  used  for  equipping  troops.  In  1903  this 
claim  was  also  allowed,  and  the  State  received  in  consequence 
$460,436.  Two  years  later  (1905),  the  State  received  from  the  Federal 
government  a  still  further  allowance  of  $727,740.18. — ED. 

si  No  such  authority  appears1  to'  have  been  given. — ED. 

62  The  militia  system  of  the  State  had  been  completely  reorgan 
ized  by  Wis.  Gen.  Laws.  1863,  chap.  242,  and  Id,  1864,  chap.  407.  Fol 
lowing  the  recommendation  of  the  governor,  minor  changes  were  made 
by  Id,  1865,  chaps.  323,  498.— ED. 

[224] 


I865]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

Six-pounder  S.  B.  Bronze  Field  Guns,  with  carriages 8 

Twelve-pounder,  Mountain  Howitzer,  with  carriage  and  am 
munition  cart \ .  i 

Caissons  for  six-pounder   guns 6 

Muskets,  Rifled  Muskets  and  Rifles,  with  accoutrements  and 

appendages 5,186 

Pistols  and  Holsters 50 

Swords  and  Sabres  with  scabbards  and  accoutrements 444 

Muskets,  Rifled  Muskets  and  Rifles  unserviceable 665 

Canister  and  round  shot  for  six-pounder  guns   (rounds) 59 

Shot  and  shell  for  twelve-pounder  Mountain  howitzer  (rounds)  100 

Ball  Cartridge   103,320 

Pounds  of  Powder 25 

Bars  of  Lead 150 

Gun-caps 7, 000 

Canteens    4,000 

Haversacks 4,000 

In  addition  to  the  above,  there  is  on  hand  a  large  number 
of  extra  equipments,  accoutrements  and  appendages,  which 
are  not  required  to  make  up  the  ''stand  of  arms'7  complete. 

For  full  detailed  statements  of  the  condition  of  the  military 
property  of  the  State,  and  of  military  operations,  I  refer  you 
to  the  able  and  interesting  reports  of  the  Adjutant  General, 
Quartermaster  General,  and  Surgeon  General,  herewith  sub 
mitted.53 

To  the  calls  of  the  Government  for  troops,  no  state  has  re 
sponded  with  greater  alacrity  than  has  Wisconsin.  She  has 
sent  to  the  field  since  the  commencement  of  the  war  forty-four 
regim'ents  of  Infantry,  four  regiments  and  one  company  of  cav 
alry,  one  regiment  of  heavy  artillery,  thirteen  batteries  of  light 
artillery,  and  one  company  of  sharp-shooters,  making  an  aggre 
gate  (exclusive  of  hundred  day  men),  of  seventy-five  thousand 
one  hundred  and  thirty-three  men.  To  this  large  number 
furnished  by  our  young  state  should  be  added  the  three  regi- 


ss  These  reports  may  be  found  in  Wis.  Mess,  and  Docs.,  1865,  pp. 
443,  859,  963.— ED. 

15  [ 225  ] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  tl865- 

ments  of  one  hundred  day  men,  who  so  nobly  responded  to  the 
call  at  a  critical  moment,  when  their  services  were  so  much 
needed,  and  whose  services  were  of  so  much  importance  to  the 
Government,  as  to  call  forth  from  the  Commander-in- Chief  the 
highest  special  commendation. 

Further  provision  should  be  made  for  keeping  and  preserv 
ing  records  of  the  names,  and  deeds  of  valor,  of  all  Wiscon 
sin's  sons  who  have  taken  part  in  the  great  national  struggle 
in  which  we  are  now  engaged.  It  is  due  to  them,  and  to  pos 
terity,  that  such  records  should  be  handed  down  to  future 
time,  and  spread  before  the  rising  generation  for  their  emula 
tion.54 

The  debt  of  gratitude  we  owe  to  our  soldiers  and  sailors  for 
their  great  achievements,  we  can  never  fully  repay.  To  their 
exertions,  under  the  guidance  of  an  All-wise  Providence,  is 
due  the  salvation  of  our  country,  and  to  no  equal  number  is 
greater  credit  due,  than  to  the  soldiers  and  sailors  of  our  own 
State.  They  have  fought  in  nearly  every  action  on  land  and 
sea,  and  none  have  fought  better,  none  have  made  the  last 
great  sacrifice,  the  sacrifice  of  life  itself,  more  willingly  at  their 
country's  call  than  they.  But  the  soldiers  and  sailors  of  Wis 
consin  need  no  eulogy  from  me;  with  their  own  right  arms 
they  have  written  their  own  proud  history.  Their  patriotism, 
valor,  courage  and  endurance  have  never  been  excelled.  Their 
praises  are  upon  every  tongue.  As  a  State  we  should  also  pay 
some  further  tribute  of  respect  to,  and  adopt  some  further 
measures  to  perpetuate  the  memory  and  example  of,  the  noble 
heroes  from  Wisconsin  who  have  fallen  in  defense  of  the  lib 
erties  of  the  Nation.  A  suitable  monument  should  be  erected 
at  the  Capital  of  the  State,  on  which  should  be  inscribed  their 
names.  I  doubt  not  their  names  are  registered  in  Heaven — 
let  them  also  be  registered  on  earth.  They  should  ever  be 
borne  in  remembrance  by  those  for  whom  they  fought  and 


"Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  18ff5,  chap.  179,  authorized  the  Adjutant-General 
to  prepare  individual  records  of  all  Wisconsin  soldiers.— ED. 

[226] 


1865]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

died.  Their  families  should  also  receive  our  attention.  The 
heroic  dead  are  gone — their  orphan  children  are  still  with 
us.  Let  us  seek  them  out  and  cherish  them  as  the  children 
of  that  State  and  country  for  whose  benefit  their  natural  pro 
tector  offered  up  his  life.55 

Every  effort  has  been  made  for  the  relief  of  the  sick  and 
wounded  soldiers,  of  which  the  nature  of  the  case,  and  the 
means  at  my  disposal  would  admit.  But  so  extended  has  been 
the  field  of  military  operations,  and  so  numerous  and  scattered 
the  cases,  that  I  have  found  it  impossible  to  m'eet  the  wants  of 
all  as  fully  as  I  would  wish  to  have  done.  Much  has  been  done 
by  correspondence,  in  obtaining  furloughs,  transfers,  dis 
charges,  descriptive  rolls,  and  otherwise  assisting  them.  I 
have  personally  visited  them  in  Hospitals,  so  far  as  time  and 
attention  to  other  duties  of  my  office  would  permit.  I  have 
also  sent  agents  to  them,  and  through  these  means  many  who 
were  lingering  in  Hospitals,  and  who  could  be  of  no  further 
use  to  the  Government,  have  been  discharged  and  returned  to 
their  families.  Many  others  have  been  provided  with  com 
forts,  which  have  tended  to  soften  their  afflictions  and  ma 
terially  aid  in  their  speedy  recovery  and  return  to  duty.  Great 
credit  is  due  our  citizens  generally  for  their  efforts  in  behalf 
of  our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers.  From  nearly  every  ham 
let  and  village  all  over  the  State,  have  gone  forth  comforts 
for  them.  To  the  Ladies'  Aid  Societies  especially  is  great 
credit  due  for  the  assistance  they  have  rendered  in  caring  for 
them  and  their  families.  They  have  with  timely  aid  alleviated 
much  suffering,  and  have  doubtless  been  the  means  of  saving 
many  valuable  lives.  The  thanks  of  a  grateful  people,  the 
gratitude  of  the  brave  soldier,  the  destitute  orphan,  wife  and 
mother,  are  their  rewards. 


55  NO  law  was  passed  in  1865  relating  to  a  soldiers'  monument. 
Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1865,  chap.  416,  deals  with  relief  for  soldiers'  families. 
The  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  at  Madison  was  established  in  1866; 
see  post,  p.  279,  note  80. — ED. 

[  227  ] 


GOVERNOR   LEWIS  [l865~ 

Hospitals  have  been  established  at  Madison,  Prairie  du  Chien 
and  Milwaukee,  and  Wisconsin  soldiers  are  enjoying  their 
benefits  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  get  them  transferred  or 
ordered  to  report  to  these  Hospitals.  I  have  urged  upon  the 
War.  Department  the  importance  of  providing  Hospital  ac 
commodations,  and  sending  all  our  sick  and  wounded  soldiers 
into  our  own  State,  where  they  might  receive  the  benefits  of 
our  bracing  and  invigorating  atmosphere,  and  be  accessible  to 
their  relatives  and  friends,  whose  kind  care  and  attention  would 
aid  much  in  restoring  them  to  health  and  usefulness.  The 
claims  of  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  should  receive  careful 
consideration  at  your  hands.  Ample  provisions  should  be  made 
for  their  wants,  and  for  the  wants  of  the  families  of  all  Wis 
consin  soldiers  now  engaged  in  this  great  struggle.56 

I  am  informed  that  many  citizens  who  have  enjoyed  the  pro 
tection  of  the  Government,  and  whose  property,  in  some  in 
stances,  is  still  protected  by  it,  have,  to  avoid  doing  their  duty 
in  the  field,  ignominiously  fled  to  foreign  countries.  I  would 
suggest  to  the  Legislature  the  propriety  of  taking  away  from 

such  men  rights  they  will  not  aid  in  defending.57 

*  #  *  *  *  *  *  • 

Your  attention  is  invited  to  the  able  and  interesting  report 
of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction.  This  report  con 
tains  many  valuable  suggestions  concerning  the  management  of 
our  schools,  and  is  evidently  the  result  of  much  care  and 


d,  chap.  465,  appropriated  to  the  Governor  $15,000  for  the  care  of 
sick  and  wounded  Wisconsin  soldiers.  The  three  hospitals  mentioned 
•were  United  States  general  hospitals,  established  chiefly  through  the  ef 
forts  of  Mrs.  Harvey.  See  Hum,  Wisconsin  Women  in  the  War, 
pp.  134-144.— ED. 

57  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1863,  chap.  32,  provided  for  stay  of  proceedings  in 
civil  actions  against  persons  in  military  service.  Upon  the  suggestion 
of  the  Governor  this  was  amended  by  Id,  1865,  chap.  362,  to  make  it  in 
applicable  to  those  who  deserted  after  having  enlisted,  or  after  having 
been  drafted. — ED. 

[2281 


l865]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

thought.     And  especially  would  I  call  your  attention  to  the 
views  expressed  therein  upon  the  subject  of  Normal  Schools. 
Our  system  of  common  schools  is,  perhaps,  not  surpassed  by 
any;  but  common  school  systems  can  have  but  little  vitality 
without    competent    teachers    to    carry    them    into    execution. 
Many  of  those  who  have  heretofore  been  engaged  in  teaching 
our  common  schools  are  now  in  the  military   service  of  the 
Government.     Others  have  sought  employment  in  different  di 
rections,  and  there  seems  to  be  at  this  time,  a  special  necessity 
for  the  adoption  of  some  means  to  supply  their  places.     The 
measure  proposed   by   the   State   Superintendent  of   establish 
ing  a  State  Normal   School,   at  which   advanced   pupils  from 
our  common  schools  may  be  further  educated  and  fitted  for 
teachers,   is  worthy   your  careful   consideration.     There  is  no 
subject  of  more  vital  importance  to  the  interests  of  the  State 
and  Nation  than  the  subject  of  Education.     As  no  people  can 
be  enslaved  with  it,  so  no  people  can  become  great  and  power 
ful  without  it.     We  see  a  deplorable  instance  of  the  want  of 
it  in  the  Southern  States  to-day.     Want  of  general  intelligence 
among  the  masses  of  the  people  of  the  South,  is  a  prominent 
reason  why  they  are  now  endeavoring  to  subvert  this  Govern 
ment.     It  has  been  too  much  the  custom  in  those   States  to 
educate  the  few,  while  the  great  mass  of  the  people  have  been 
kept  in  ignorance,  and  hence  are  easily  deluded  and  led  astray 
by   designing   leaders.      In    free    governments    particularly,    is 
education  the   great  means  of  self-preservation.     Every   man, 
to  be  a  good  citizen,  must  understand  the  duties  of  citizenship. 
Education,  mental  and  moral,  is  the  means  of  giving  him  this 
understanding.     It  is  not  alone  useful  in  the  school-room,  at 
the  bar,  in  the  counting  room,  and  at  the  bedside  of  the  sick 
man,  but  is  all  important  at  the  ballot-box  and  in  the  legisla 
tive  halls.     The  wisest  government  is  not  the  one  that  governs 
the  most,  that  punishes  the  most  criminals,  but  the  one  that 
by  its    judicious  laws,  enlightens  its  people  and  thus  prevents 
most  crime,  and  as  a  consequence  punishes  least.     That  which 
by  educating  its  people   avoids  the  necessity  of  punishment 

[229] 


GOVERNOR   LEWIS  [l865~ 

Every  forward  step,  therefore,  in  the  cause  of  education  drives 
a  nail  in  the  coffin  of  despotism,  increases  the  strength  of  free 
governments,  tends  to  fix  more  firmly  in  the  minds  of  the  peo 
ple  the  principles  of  eternal  justice,  and  thus  promote  the 
best  interests  of  society. 
#*##**** 

The  law  authorizing  soldiers  to  exercise  the  elective  fran 
chise  at  other  places  than  their  residence,  should  be  thoroughly 
revised  and  amended,  so  as  more  effectually  to  guard  against 
fraud  and  corruption.  The  privilege  of  exercising  this  sacred 
right  should  also  be  further  extended,  so  as  to  include  the  large 
number  who  by  the  present  law  are  deprived  of  it  in  conse 
quence  of  being  on  detached  duty  or  confined  in  hospitals.58 
******** 

The  attention  of  the  legislature  is  earnestly  solicited  to  the 
subject  of  removing  the  roving  bands  of  Indians  from  the 
north-western  portion  of  our  State.  Since  the  depredations 
and  murders  committed  by  them  in  Minnesota,  a  feeling  of  in 
security  has  existed  among  our  citizens  in  the  sparsely  settled 
north-western  counties,  to  such  an  extent  as  in  some  instances, 
to  cause  them  to  abandon  their  homes.  Several  murders  have 
been  committed  by  Indians,  and  much  property  destroyed  by 
them  within  our  State  during  the  last  year.  Their  presence 
tends  to  retard  settlement,  and  thus  prevents  the  development 
of  the  country.  Their  ignorance  and  their  wild  and  roving 
natures  unfit  them  for  a  residence  among  civilized  people. 

I  am  satisfied  that  the  good  of  the  State,  and  especially  the 
good  of  our  citizens  residing  in  portions  of  the  State  frequented 
by  them,  as  well  as  the  good  of  the  Indians  themselves,  demand 
that  these  natives  of  the  forest  be  sent  beyond  the  limits  of 
Wisconsin.  I  have  several  times  during  the  last  year  called  the 


58  Soldiers'  suffrage  was  provided  for  by  Id,  ex,  sess.,  1862,  chap.  11, 
and  1863,  chap.  59.  As  recommended,  amendments  were  made  by  Id, 
1865,  chap.  88. — ED. 

[230] 


1 865]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

attention  of  the  officers  of  the  General  Government  to  Indian 
depredations  and  murders  within  our  borders.  Some  action 
has  been  had,  but  it  would  seem  that  nothing  short  of  re 
moval  will  allay  the  just  fears,  or  meet  the  just  demands  of  our 
people. 

I  am  aware  that  this  is  a  subject  coming  properly  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  General  Government,  yet  may  not  this  Leg 
islature  do  much  to  bring  about  the  desired  object,  by  me 
morializing  Congress  and  making  such  a  representation  of  the 
case,  as  will  induce  speedy  action?  I  would  recommend  that 
the  memorials  be  prepared  upon  this  subject  at  an  early  day  in 
the  session,  and  that  such  other  action  be  taken  as  the  nature 
of  the  case  would  seem  to  demand.59 

It  has  seldom  been  the  lot  of  the  historian  to  record  a  greater 
calamity  to  any  people  than  the  calamity  of  civil  war.  When 
brother  meets  brother  in  civil  strife,  sad  indeed  is  the  spectacle. 
It  was  this  against  which  the  old  hero  of  New  Orleans  and  the 
Father  of  his  country  issued  their  solemn  warnings.  They 
knew  full  well  the  character  of  the  American  people.  They 
knew  full  well  the  great  sacrifice  which  must  be  made,  and  the 
great  interests  which  would  be  at  stake  when  civil  war  should 
be  inaugurated.  If  the  departed  dead  are  cognizant  of  events 
transpiring  in  this  world,  there  is  no  one  thing  upon  this  earth 
which  tends  more  to  disturb  the  old  patriots  in  their  graves 
to-day — which  would  sooner  induce  them  to  return  again  to 
earth  to  take  part  in  the  affairs  of  men,  than  the  civil  strife 
which  has  been  inaugurated  by  traitors  to  overthrow  this  Gov 
ernment.  But  sad  as  is  the  spectacle,  deplorable  as  is  the 
necessity  that  prompts,  nay,  compels  all  good  citizens  to  take 
up  the  sword  in  defence  of  the  Government,  a  still  greater 
calamity  might  and  would  befall  mankind,  were  we  to  cease  to 
defend  our  rights,  and  thus  permit  the  downfall  of  our  free 


59  NO  such  memorials  were  passed  in  1865.  Five  years  later  how 
ever,  as  the  result  of  a  similar  panic,  an  attempt  was  made  to  remove 
several  roving  bands  of  Indians;  see  Thwaites,  Wisconsin,  p.  396  ff. — ED. 

[231] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  Il865- 

institutions.  Inasmuch  as  the  interests  of  the  many  are  greater 
than  the  interests  of  the  few,  as  the  interests  of  the  world,  of 
our  children,  and  the  people  of  all  coming  time,  are  greater 
than  the  interests  of  the  people  now  engaged  in  this  struggle, 
would  the  calamity  of  the  downfall  of  this  Government  be 
greater  than  that  of  the  present  civil  strife.  Duty  then  ad- 
m'onishes  us  to  defend  the  Government,  to  draw  the  sword  in 
self-defense.  I  will  not  at  this  time  go  into  a  discussion  of 
the  righteousness  of  our  cause.  It  has  already  been  too  fully 
discussed,  too  well  established,  and  is  too  well  understood  to 
require  comment  from  me.  No  right  thinking  man,  at  home  or 
abroad,  denies,  or  attempts  at  this  day  to  question,  that  it  is 
our  duty  to  sustain  the  Government  and  put  down  the  rebellion. 
How  then  stands  the  case?  Some  one  must  lead  in  this  great 
work.  It  is  the  people  of  the  United  States  that  are  now  im 
mediately  interested ;  they  must  greatly  suffer  if  we  fail.  They 
will  enjoy  the  blessings  if  the  Government  is  preserved.  Who 
then  so  largely  interested,  at  the  present  time,  as  the  people  of 
the  United  States?  The  poeple  composing  this  Government 
have  Selected  their  Coi .  ^-xander-in-chief ,  and  said  to  him  go  for 
ward  and  do  your  duty  ,  select  the  means  and  put  down  the 
rebellion.  He  has  gone  forward,  has  selected  what  he  deems 
to  be  the  pr'7~r  means,  and  is  striving  with  all  his  power,  and 
all  the  power  at  his  command,  to  accomplish  the  work.  Few 
will  be  found  I  think  who  have  the  hardihood  at  this  day  to 
deny  the  integrity  of  the  pilot  now  at  the  head  of  the  nation. 
But  whether  they  do  or  not,  it  is  unquestionably  true,  that  the 
chief -executive  authority  of  this  nation  has  been  placed  in  pure 
and  patriotic  hands;  that  the  great  end  and  aim  of  Abraham 
Lincoln  is  the  salvation  of  the  Government  and  the  protection 
of  the  rights  of  the  people.  But  this  commander-in-chief, 
chosen  by  the  people,  has  been  arraigned  by  the  minority  (and 
the  voice  of  the  minority  should  be  listened  to  and  given  its  due 
weight)  ;  he  has  been  charged  with  committing  a  great  error,  in 
selecting  the  means,  and  because  of  this  error,  as  they  term  it, 
they  refuse  to  support  the  administration,  refuse  even  to  assist 

[232] 


1865]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  saving  themselves.  In  viewing  this  question  we  should  let 
our  minds  expand;  open  them  wide  enough  to  take  in  the 
whole  scene  before  us.  Men  are  too  prone  to  take  narrow  and 
contracted  views  of  this  subject;  some  dark  spot  attracts  their 
attention,  heavy  taxes,  the  draft,  personal  danger,  loss  of 
friends — all  I  admit  grievous  to  be  borne,  and  they  fix  upon 
it  such  a  gaze,  allow  their  minds  to  be  so  wholly  absorbed  in  its 
contemplation,  that  they  see  nothing  beyond,  they  see  nothing 
else.  They  forget  that  great  principles  are  at  stake,  that  not 
only  the  interests  of  this  Government,  but  the  interests  of  the 
whole  world,  the  interests  of  millions  yet  to  be,  are  thrown  in 
the  balance,  and  involved  in  this  contest.  They  forget  that 
means  must  be  selected  commensurate  to  the  end  to  be  accom 
plished.  Let  us  try  and  get  a  more  elevated  position,  where 
we  can  view  the  whole  ground  in  all  its  vastness;  open  our 
minds  to  more  enlarged  and  ennobling  views;  examine  fairly 
and  see  if  the  means  selected  by  the  President  are  not  the 
proper  ones,  and  necessary  to  save  and  shield  the  nation. 

That  the  organized  force  of  the  rebels  must  be  met  with  an 
organized  force  upon  our  side,  none  with  any  show  of  consist 
ency  can  question.  That  this  involves  the  calling  for  men,  the 
organization  of  armies,  the  expenditure  of  large  sums  of  money 
in  their  organization  and  support,  and  consequent  heavy  taxa 
tion,  is  also  beyond  question.  "Where  then  is  the  error?  The 
great  head  and  front  of  the  offense,  say  the  opponents  of  the 
Administration,  is  the  President's  Proclamation  of  Emancipa 
tion.  "This  is  the  rock  on  whjch  we  split."  Let  us  look  for  a 
moment  at  this  Proclamation.  The  object,  as  all  will  admit,  is 
and  should  be  the  restoration  of  national  authority.  To  this 
end  none  will  deny  that  all  proper  measures,  which  tend  to 
weaken  the  rebels  and  strengthen  the  Government,  should  be 
adopted.  The  question  then  naturally  arises,  is  this  a  proper 
measure,  and  does  it  have  that  tendency  ?  As  to  the  legal  and 
constitutional  right  of  the  Government  to  liberate,  take,  and 
use  these  black  men,  I  need  only  say  that  it  has  long  since  been 
conceded  by  those  most  interested  in  the  question,  living  in  the 

[  233 1 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  Cl865- 

rebel  states.  None  will  deny  the  right  of  Government  to  take 
the  property  of  those  in  rebellion  and  use  it  against  the  rebels, 
neither  will  they  deny  the  right  of  Government  to  the  service 
of  its  citizens  to  aid  in  its  protection,  or  the  right  to  take  rebels 
in  arms,  or  induce  them  by  offers  of  pardon  to  join  the  forces 
of  the  Government.  In  whatever  light,  therefore,  you  may 
consider  the  negro  slaves,  whether  property,  citizens  or  enemy, 
the  Government  has  alike  the  right  to  take  them,  use  proper 
means  to  get  them,  and  use  them  in  defense  of  the  nation.60 

Says  Patrick  Henry,  in  speaking  of  our  present  constitution, 
"  Among  ten  thousand  implied  powers  which  they  may  assume, 
they  may,  if  we  be  engaged  in  war,  liberate  every  one  of  your 
slaves  if  they  please. ' '  Again,  he  says :  ' '  If  you  give  power  to 
the  General  Government  to  provide  for  the  general  defense, 
the  means  must  be  commensurate  to  the  end;  all  the  means  in 
the  possession  of  the  people,  must  be  given  to  the  government 
which  is  intrusted  with  the  public  defense."61  The  views  of 
John  Quincy  Adam's  upon  this  point,  coinciding  with  the  above, 
are  too  familiar  to  you  all  to  require  repeating  here.  But  ad 
mitting,  says  one,  the  legal  right  to  emancipate  and  use  the 
slaves,  was  it  not  bad  policy  and  a  great  error  to  do  so?  This 
is  a  proper  question  for  consideration,  and  it  is  proper  that 
it  should  be  answered.  It  was  apparent  to  all,  that  the  rebel 
States  derived  great  strength  from  the  labor  of  their  slaves. 
They  performed  the  manual  labor  of  the  country ,' thus  leaving 
all  the  white  population  capable  of  bearing  arms,  at  liberty  to 
join  their  armies.  Any  measure,  therefore,  that  would  induce 
these  slaves  to  leave  their  masters,  would  tend  to  weaken  the 
rebellion,  as  their  armies  must  have  food,  and  if  black  men  did 
not  raise  it,  white  men  must.  As  was  anticipated,  thousands  of 
black  men  did  leave  their  masters  and  come  into  our  lines  and 


so  Cf.  Letter  of  Lincoln  to  J.  C.  Conkling,  Aug.  26,  1863,  in  Rebell 
ion  Records,  serial  no.  124,  pp.  731-734.  See  post,  p.  240,  note  64.— ED. 

si  See  W.  W.  Henry,  Life,  Correspondence/,  and  Speeches  of  Patrick 
Henry  (New  York,  1891),  iii,  p.  576.— ED. 

[234] 


ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

the  rebel  authorities  are  compelled  to  use  a  part  of  their  force 
to-day  in  preventing  others  from  doing  the  same  thing.  At 
this  late  day  it  will  hardly  be  denied,  that  nearly  two  hundred 
thousand  black  men,  who  have  left  the  South  and  joined  our 
armies,  have  not  only  greatly  weakened  the  rebels,  but  have 
•also  greatly  strengthened  the  Government.  To  test  this 
question  more  fully,  let  me  ask,  are  there  any  so  short 
sighted  to-day  as  to  desire  to  see  those  black  soldiers 'who  are 
now  fighting  our  battles,  who  are  now  holding  Southern  forts, 
and  otherwise  assisting  the  Government,  returned  to  their 
masters  to  raise  bread  for  the  rebel  army,  and  their  places  filled 
T^y  a  draft  from  our  own  citizens? 

I  have  not  the  data  at  hand  to  show  the  actual  number  that 
have  been  taken  from  the  rebels  and  placed  in  our  lines  by  this 
proclamation,  but  that  the  number  is  large,  and  in  proportion 
as  it  is  large,  is  beneficial  to  the  Government,  is  beyond  ques 
tion.  Another  strong  reason  in  my  judgment,  why  this  meas 
ure  was  fraught  with  great  good,  m'ay  be  found  in  its  influence 
upon  foreign  nations.  There  is  no  disguising  the  fact  that 
at  the  time  this  proclamation  was  issued,  there  was  great  dan 
ger  of  foreign  intervention.  Foreign  nations,  particularly 
England  and  France,  so  far  as  the  aristocratic  portions  of  them 
are  concerned,  would  gladly  see  this  government  weakened  by 
disunion.  This  they  have  shown  in  many  ways.  There  is  no 
question,  either,  that  the  great  mass  of  the  people  of  England 
and  France  are  violently  opposed  to  the  institution  of  African 
slavery.  While,  therefore,  the  jealousy  of  these  governments 
would  naturally  lead  them  to  recognize  the  Southern  Confed 
eracy,  hoping  to  weaken  us,  the  great  mass  of  the  people  of 
those  nations,  when  they  saw  this  proclamation,  and  that  the 
perpetuation  of  African  slavery  probably  depended  upon  their 
recognizing  the  Confederacy  and  sustaining  the  rebellion,  their 
hatred  of  slavery  overcame  the  jealousy  of  these  governments, 
and  recognition  was  withheld.  Had  this  proclamation  been 
withheld,  and  this  issue  not  been  presented,  the  recognition  of 
the  Southern  Confederacy  by  foreign  powers  would  have  been 

[2351 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [l865~ 

more  than  probable.62  The  following  extract  from  a  late  letter 
of  Alexander  H.  Stephens,  Vice  President  of  the  so-called 
Southern  Confederacy,  tends  strongly  to  confirm  this  view  of 
the  question.  He  says:  "The  silent  sympathy  of  England, 
France,  and  other  European  powers,  arises  entirely  from  their 
mania  upon  the  subject  of  negro  slavery.  Lincoln  had  either 
to  witness  our  recognition  abroad,  the  moral  power  of  which 
alone  he  saw  would  break  down  the  war,  or  make  it  an  emanci 
pation  war." 

It  has  been  urged  against  this  measure  that  the  black  man 
would  not  fight.  Said  Jackson,  at  New  Orleans,  in  addressing  his. 
negro  soldiers,  "I  expected  much  from  you,  for  I  was  not  unin 
formed  of  those  qualities  which  must  render  you  so  formidable 
to  an  invading  foe."  Again  he  says:  "But  you  surpassed  my 
hopes.  I  have  found  in  you,  united  to  these  qualities,  that  noble 
enthusiasm  which  impels  to  great  deeds."  It  is  unnecessary, 
however,  to  refer  to  the  opinions  held  of  these  men,  or  their 
deeds  in  the  past,  to  refute  this  argument.  We  have  the  proof 
of  their  courage,  valor  and  endurance,  now  before  our  eyes. 
The  present  contest  furnishes  ample  proof  if  any  more  were 
needed,  upon  this  point. 

It  has  also  been  urged  that  it  was  dishonorable  for  the  white 
soldiers  to  fight  beside  the  black  man.  I  need  only  to  say  in 
reply  to  this,  that  "Washington,  Jackson,  Grant  and  many  other 
great  and  good  men  fought  beside  them,  and  did  not  consider 
themselves  dishonored.  Thousands  of  our  noble  soldiers  are 
fighting  beside  them'  to-day  with  honor;  and  I  strongly  doubt 
whether  the  man  who  fails  to  respond  to  his  country's  call  for 
fear  of  being  dishonored  by  fighting  beside  the  black  man — 
for  fear  of  being  dishonored  by  seeing  a  patriotic  black  man 
offer  up  his  life  on  the  altar  of  liberty — will  not  be  found  want 
ing  in  the  day  of  trial,  and  fail  to  serve  his  country  under  any 
circumstances. 


62  On  foreign  relations  referred  to,  see  Rhodes,   United  States,   Iv, 
p.  337  ff—  ED.  . 

[236] 


i865l  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

But  in  examining  this  question,  ought  we  not  to  look  farther 
than  to  the  policy  of  the  moment?  Ought  we  not  to  look  to  tke 
future,  and,  if  possible,  so  guide  our  action  as  to  leave  our 
country  at  the  close  of  this  war  in  a  condition  to  enjoy  perma- 
ment  peace?  And  is  not  this  measure  calculated,  by  removing 
this  exciting  question  of  slavery,  to  bring  about  this  result ;  and 
do  we  not  owe  it  to  posterity,  the  opportunity  being  now  clearly 
presented,  by  the  act  of  these  who  have  claimed  the  right  to 
hold  slaves,  to  remove  this  great  curse  from  the  land,  and  thus 
take  off  a  great  load  which  must  otherwise  fall  upon  the  necks 
of  our  posterity?  This  right  to  hold  slaves  as  a  moral  ques 
tion,  it  is  unnecessary  at  this  day  and  age  of  the  world  to  ex 
amine.  That  slavery  is  a  great  moral  wrong,  has  long  since 
been  well  established.  Few  will  be  found  who  have  now  the 
hardihood  to  attempt  to  defend  it.  And  the  fact  that  there 
are  any,  is  strong  evidence  of  the  corrupting  and  demoralizing 
influence  of  the  barbarous  and  inhuman  practice.  All  good 
men  have  long  deplored  the  existence  of  it.  John  Wesley  de 
nounced  it  as  "the  sum  of  all  villainies."  Said  Washington: 
*'  there  is  no  man  living  who  wishes  more  sincerely  than  I  do, 
to  see  a  plan  adopted  for  the  abolition  of  it."  Madison  thought 
it  wrong  to  admit  in  the  Constitution,  the  idea  that  there  could 
be  property  in  man.  Said  John  Adams:  "Slavery  is  a  crime 
much  blacker  than  any  African's  face."  Jefferson  and  Frank 
lin  also  deplored  the  existence  of  it.  Said  La  Fayette:  "I 
would  never  have  drawn  my  sword  in  the  cause  of  America, 
could  I  have  conceived  that  thereby  I  was  founding  a  land  of 
slavery."  "Admitting  it  to  be  wrong  for  man  to  enslave  his 
fellow  man,"  says  one,  "it  does  not  concern  us  at  the  North. 
The  master  and  his  slave  are  alone  affected  thereby."  In 
answer  to  this  it  is  only  necessary  to  point  to  the  present  re 
bellion.  Is  not  the  whole  nation,  nay,  the  whole  world  con 
vulsed  and  affected  by  it?  But  were  the  assertion  true,  is  it 
not  the  duty  of  man  to  help  his  fellow  man?  "Help  those  that 
need  help,"  is  the  Divine  injunction.  Says  another,  "It  is  a 
domestic  institution,  and  States  within  their  borders  like  pri- 

[237] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [1865- 

vate  individuals  within  their  domicils,  are  protected."  'Tis  true 
they  are  protected  in  proper  acts;  but  no  individual  has  the 
right,  in  his  own  domicil,  to  take  away  the  right  of  his  neigh 
bor.  No  individual  has  a  right  in  his  own  domicil,  to  establish. 
a  nuisance  that  will  send  out  a  poisonous  effluvia,  that  will 
sicken  and  destroy  the  community  around;  and  should  he  do 
so,  law  and  justice  would  demand  that  the  nuisance  should  be 
abated.  But  "the  constitution  protects  slavery,"  says  another. 
The  constitution  if  it  protects  it  anywhere,  which  at  least 
admits  of  doubt,  certainly  does  not  protect  it  where  this  procla 
mation  reaches;  and  if  it  does  protect  it  elsewhere,  it  ought  to 
be  amended  so  that  it  should  no  longer  protect  so  great  a  wrong. 
I  have  already  discussed  this  question  much  further  than  I  in 
tended,  and  I  fear  further  than  I  should  have  done  at  this  time. 
I  will  only  add  that  in  my  judgment  the  President  in  thia 
measure,  has  not  overstepped  the  bounds  of  the  constitution  or 
good  policy,  and  should  be  sustained  and  supported  by  every 
lover  of  his  country  of  whatever  party  or  sect.  All  good  and 
true  men  must  say  he  is  right.  The  people  in  their  late  elec 
tions  have  passed  their  solemn  judgment  upon  his  acts,  and 
have  declared  in  a  manner  not  to  be  misunderstood,  that  he  is- 
right.  Let  us,  then,  with  a  firm  hand,  stand  by  the  right,  re 
membering  that  God  blesses  those  who  deserve  his  blessing.  Let 
us  be  earnest,  pure  and  worthy,  for  pure  men,  worthy  men,  earn 
est  men,  working,  patriotic,  Godly  men  are  what  our  country  needs 
in  these  times,  and  what  she  must  have  in  the  council,  and  in  the 
field,  to  insure  success.  We  thank  God  we  have  many  such  in 
the  field  and  State,  and  to  them  our  country  looks.  From  them 
she  expects  help,  and  she  will  not  be  disappointed  in  her  ex 
pectations.  God  is  working  through  such  means  to-day  to  save 
and  purify  the  nation.  The  foundations  of  our  Government 
are  being  laid  upon  a  firmer  basis,  and  she  will  yet  rise  higher 
and  higher  in  the  temple  of  fame.  The  pangs  she  is  now 
suffering  are  not  the  pangs  of  dissolution,  but  the  pangs  of  a 
new  birth,  and  she  will  soon  emerge  into  a  higher,  more  beau 
tiful,  more  virtuous,  and  more  glorious  life. 

[238] 


l865]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

Amid  the  gloom  which,  has  surrounded  the  nation,  our  noble; 
State  has  never  faltered.  She  has  always  and  promptly  re 
sponded  to  the  call  of  the  General  Government.  There  could 
be  no  mistaking  the  feelings  of  her  people.  Their  votes  and 
their  sacrifices  have  declared  that  they  stand  by  the  Union. 
Their  bullets  and  their  ballots  have  always  pointed  in  the 
same  direction.  Never  was  there  a  sublimer  spectacle  than 
was  exhibited  on  the  eighth  day  of  November  last,  when  our 
people,  who  had  so  largely  sacrificed  in  human  life  and  in 
property,  marched  to  the  ballot-box,  and  solemnly  declared 
by  their  votes,  that  they  were  willing  to  still  further  sacrifice, 
if  need  be,  for  justice  and  the  right.63 

"Wisconsin  loves  the  Union,  resents  its  wrongs,  and  seeks 
to  parry  every  blow  that  is  aimed  at  its  life,  let  it  come  from 
whatever  source  it  may.  She  is  alike  unwilling  that  old  rock- 
bound  New  England  should  be  "left  out  in  the  cold",  or  that 
the  Sunny  South  should  tear  herself  from  its  embrace.  She 
has  shown  that  when  the  cry  of  rebellion  is  heard,  she  adopts 
no  timid,  no  vacillating  course,  but  strikes  boldly  for  the  Union. 
In  this  great  struggle  she  has  thus  far  done  her  whole  duty; 
she  has  nobly  responded  to  the  calls  of  the  General  Govern 
ment  for  men  and  money;  as  she  has  sacrificed  and  borne  the 
burdens,  so  may  she  share  the  glory  of  aiding  to  save  and 
purify  this  government,  and  make  happy  its  people.  And 
now,  gentlemen,  may  the  blessing  of  our  Heavenly  Father  at 
tend  you;  may  your  acts  prove  salutary,  and  may  your  indus 
try,  economy  and  patriotism,  win  for  you  the  welcome  com 
mendation,  "well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants. " 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 

January  12,  1865. 


es  The  home  vote  in  Wisconsin  was  close — Union  68,887,  Democrat 
65,598.  Wisconsin  soldiers,  however,  went  overwhelmingly  for  Lin 
coln,  the  vote  being  11,372  to  2,428.  The  Union  majority  throughout 
the  nation  was  about  400t,000. — ED. 


[  239  1 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [l865~ 


THIRTEENTH  AMENDMENT 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  Feb.  7th,  1865. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin: 
Article  V  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  provides 

*#*#***« 

I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  lay  before  you  a  copy  of  a 
joint  resolution  of  Congress,  approved  Feb.  1st,  1865,  passed 
pursuant  to  said  article  V,  proposing  to  the  Legislatures  of 
the  several  States,  an  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States,  to  be  designated  as  article  thirteen  of  said  Con 
stitution,  and  to  request  your  decision  on  said  proposed  amend 
ment.64 

Seldom  has  there  been  presented  to  any  legislative  body  a 
more  important  question,  or  one  in  which  the  people  of  the 
United  States  feel  a  deeper  interest,  than  is  presented  by  this 
resolution. 

Though  the  last  few  months  have  been  crowded  with  im 
portant  events,  important  victories,  causing  the  people  to 
shout  for  joy,  yet  the  announcement  of  no  event,  has  sent  a 
deeper  thrill  of  joy  to  loyal  hearts  than  will  the  announce 
ment  of  the  adoption  of  this  amendment. 

Upon  its  adoption  hangs  the  destiny  of  nearly  four  millions 
of  human  beings  and  it  may  be  the  destiny  of  the  nation.  I 
trust,  and  doubt  not,  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin  will  record 
its  decision  firmly,  and  I  hope  unanimously  in  favor  of  the 


e*  Lincoln's  Emancipation  Proclamation  had  no  constitutional  author 
ity.  It  was  intended  only  as  a  war  measure,  and  as  an  announcement 
of  future  policy.  The  function  of  the  Thirteenth  Amendment  to  the 
Federal  Constitution  was  to  legalize  the  Proclamation,  and  extend  its 
operation  over  the  loyal  as  well  aa  the  seceded  states. — ED. 


240] 


1 86s]  THIRTEENTH   AMENDMENT 

amendment.65  Let  us  wipe  from  our  escutcheon  the  foul  blot 
of  human  slavery,  and  show  by  our  action  that  we  are  worthy 
the  name  of  freemen. 

May  God  in  His  providence  grant  that  this  contemplated 
amendment  of  the  fundamental  law  of  our  land  may  be  adopted 
by  every  state  in  our  Union,  that  it  may  nerve  the  arms  of 
our  patriotic  soldiers  to  strike  still  harder  blows  for  liberty, 
and  that  it  may  redound  to  the  glory  of  our  beloved  country. 
JAMES  T.  LEWIS,  Governor  of  Wisconsin. 


THE  SICK  AND  WOUNDED 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  Feb.  14th,  1865. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Senate: 

I  have  the  honor  to  lay  before  your  honorable  body,  a  com 
munication,  with  accompanying  circular,  from  Eben  Swift, 
Surgeon  U.  S.  A.  and  Medical  Director  of  the  Department  of 
the  North-west,  relative  to  the  establishment  of  permanent  hos 
pitals  or  retreats,  to  become  the  homes  of  disabled  soldiers, 
which  I  am  desired  to  present  for  your  consideration.*6 

The  subject  is  one  which  commends  itself  to  the  sympathy 
of  every  loyal  heart,  and  the  suggestions  made  in  reference 
thereto  are  eminently  practical.  I  therefore  trust  that  you 
will  take  such  action  in  the  premises  as  in  your  judgment  may 
"be  deemed  appropriate  and  necessary.67 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


ss  The  vote  in  the  Assembly  was  72  to  16  in  favor~of  adoption;  in 
the  Senate,  24  to  5. — ED. 

«6  See  Wis.  Sen.  Jour.,  1865,  pp.  210,  211.— Eb. 

«T  No  action  appears  to  have  been  taken,  relative  to  this  communica 
tion. — ED. 


16  [  241  ] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  El865- 

EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 
MADISON,  February  28th,  1865. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin: 

By  chapter  354  of  the  General  Laws  of  1864,  the  sum  of  ten 
thousand  dollars  was  appropriated  and  set  apart  "to  be  paid 
out  upon  the  order  of  the  Governor  of  the  State,  for  the  liquida 
tion  of  all  such  claims  as  shall  hereafter  accrue  by  the  author 
ity  of  the  Governor,  in  the  necessary  care  of  the  sick  and 
wounded  soldiers  of  "Wisconsin,  and  for  carrying  such  sick  and 
wounded  into  this  State,  when  the  same  shall  be  proper  and 
necessary."  By  section  three  of  said  chapter,  it  is  provided 
that  the  Governor  shall  "make  out  and  report  to  the  Legisla 
ture,  at  its  next  session,  the  amounts  so  expended  by  him,  and 
fully  in  what  manner  such  money  has  been  expended. "  I 
have  the  honor  to  submit  the  annexed  detailed  statement  of  ex 
penditures  under  said  chapter,  vouchers  for  which  are  on  file 
in  this  office,  showing  amounts  expended,  by  whom  and  at 
what  time.  As  to  the  manner  of  its  expenditure,  I  have  the 
honor  to  state,  that  seeing  no  more  practical  method  of  meet 
ing  the  wants  of  the  class  of  persons  intended  to  be  benefitted 
by  the  appropriation,  than  by  the  appointment  of  agents  whose 
duty  it  should  be  to  visit  and  care  for  them,  I  selected  a  num 
ber  of  agents,  giving  to  each  certain  territory,  with  directions 
to  visit  the  fields  and  hospitals  within  prescribed  limits,  and 
to  do  all  within  their  power  t*>  alleviate  suffering  and  aid  the 
sick  and  wounded. 

Section  two  of  the  chapter  above  alluded  to,  provides  that 
"the  Governor  is  hereby  authorized  to  draw  his  order  or  orders 
upon  the  State  Treasurer  for  so  much  money,  not  exceeding  the 
sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  in  all,  as  shall  be  actually  neces 
sary,  &c." 

By  this  provision  it  will  be  seen  that  I  could  in  no  event 
draw  more  than  ten  thousand  dollars.  I  was  under  the  neces 
sity,  therefore,  of  limiting!  the  number  of  agents,  and  the 
amount  to  be  expended  by  each,  so  as  not  to  use  in  all  beyond 
this  sum.  The  number  of  agents  at  present  employed  is  five, 

[242] 


THE  SICK  AND  WOUNDED 

as  follows:  Mrs.  C.  A.  P.  Harvey,  Geo.  W.  Sturges,  E.  L. 
Jones,  W.  Y.  Selleck  and  D.  Ostrander.  Others  have  been 
employed  during  the  year  for  short  periods  of  time  as  neces 
sity  seemed  to  demand,  whose  names  also  appear  in  the  state 
ment  hereto  annexed.  Mrs.  C.  A.  P.  Harvey  has  charge  of 
hospitals  from  Memphis  to  New  Orleans.  Geo.  W.  Sturges 
has  charge  of  hospitals  at  St.  Louis,  Paducah,  Mound  City, 
Keokuk  and  Cairo.  E.  L.  Jones  has  charge  of  hospitals  at 
Nashville,  Louisville  and  Chattanooga.  "W.  Y.  Selleck  had, 
until  recently,  exclusive  charge  of  hospitals  at  Washington, 
Alexandria,  Philadelphia,  York  (Pa.),  Baltimore  and  Annapolis; 
hut  the  armies  having  been  largely  increased  in  the  vicinity 
of  Washington,  I  deemed  it  necessary  to  appoint  another  agent, 
and  have  therefore  appointed  D.  Ostrander  to  assist  Mr.  Sel 
leck  in  that  department.  As  will  be  s,een  by  the  annexed  state 
ment  the  amount  remaining  for  which  I  am  authorized  to  draw 
is  small;  probably  little  if  any  more  than  sufficient  to  pay  the 
claims  already  outstanding.  I  would  therefore  suggest  that 
in  case  it  is  thought  best  to  continue  the  employment  of  these 
agents,  further  appropriation  be  made  soon,  as  I  shall  be  under 
the  necessity  of  discharging  them  within  a  short  time  unless 
further  means  are  placed  at  my  disposal  to  pay  their  ex 
penses  and  furnish  them  with  means  to  carry  on  their  work.6* 
I  would  further  state  that  owing  to  the  increased  expenses  of 
living  and  traveling,  it  will  probably  be  necessary  to  increase 
the  pay  of  these  agents  in  order  to  secure  their  services  in  the 
future.  The  necessity  of  making  larger  appropriations  for  the 
future  than  have  been  made  in  the  past,  even  though  no  larger 
force  is  employed,  will  therefore  be  apparent.  We  owe  it  to 
our  soldiers  to  use  all  proper  means  to  care  for  them  and  their 
families.  Thus  far  no  state  has  more  fully  performed  its  duty 
in  this  respect  than  has  Wisconsin.  The  thousands  of  dollars 


e'8  The  Legislature   appropriated    $15,000  for  the  care  of  sick   and 
wounded  soldiers;   see  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1865,  chap.  465. — ED. 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [l865~ 

that  are  daily  paid  from  the  treasury  to  aid  them  are  sufficient 
evidence  of  the  truth  of  this  statement. 

That  the  sanitary  agents  have  been  of  great  service  in  car 
ing  for  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  from  Wisconsin,  there 
can  be  no  doubt.  The  reports  of  these  agents,  published  from 
time  to  time  in  the  public  prints,  are  also  of  great  service  to 
the  whole  people  of  the  State,  affording  them  information  con 
cerning  the  condition  and  fate  of  their  friends  in  field  and 
hospital  which  it  would  be  difficult  for  them  otherwise  to  ob 
tain.  I  should  therefore  deem  it  unwise  to  dispense  with  the 
services  of  these  agents  at  the  present  time. 

Of  the  agents  at  present  employed,  I  will  only  remark,  that 
they  have  proved  themselves  wrorthy.  So  efficient  and  self- 
sacrificing  have  they  been — so  well  have  they  performed  their 
duties  to  the  soldiers  and  the  State,  that  I  should  regret  very 
much  to  lose  their  services. 

Owing  to  present  duties  in  my  office  I  have  been  able  to 
visit  but  few  of  the  hospitals  during  the  past  year,  but  intend 
as  soon  as  possible  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Legislature 
to  visit  all  hospitals  where  Wisconsin  soldiers  are  to  be  found, 
with  a  view  of  procuring,  as  far  as  possible,  the  discharge  of 
such  soldiers  as  can  be  of  no  further  service  to  the  Government, 
and  desire  to  be  discharged,  the  transfer  to  our  own  State 
of  those  who  can  be  benefitted  by  such  transfers,  and  of  ren 
dering  such  other  service  to  the  sick  and  wounded  as  may  be 
within  my  power. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


Proclamation 

The  people  of  Wisconsin  are  second  to  none  in  patriotism 
or  benevolence.  No  appeal  for  aid,  in  any  good  cause,  has  ever 
been  made  to  them  in  vain.  Knowing  this  fact,  I  feel  that  it 
is  only  necessary  to  call  their  attention  to  a  good  work,  to  in 
sure  a  proper  response. 

[244] 


1865]  THE  SICK  AND  WOUNDED 

The  many  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  returning  from  the  field 
of  battle,  where  they  have  been  disabled  while  fighting  in  de 
fense  of  the  nation,  and  rendered  incapable  of  providing  them 
selves  a  comfortable  subsistence,  call  loudly  for  our  sympathy 
and  help.  They  need  and  deserve  a  comfortable  home  and 
place  of  rest. 

With  a  view  of  providing  such  a  home,  the  Legislature  of  this 
State,  at  its  last  session,  incorporated  a  benevolent  institution 
to  be  known  as  the  Soldiers*  Home  located  at  Milwaukee,  and 
appropriated  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars,  to  aid  in  its 
support.09  Further  means  are  necessary  to  carry  on  this  good 
work.  To  supply  them  it  is  proposed  to  hold  a  State  Fair  at 
Milwaukee,  commencing  on  the  28th  day  of  June  next,  at  which 
all  who  desire,  may  have  an  opportunity  of  contributing  some 
thing  to  aid  the  wounded  soldier. 

I  would  recommend  this  enterprise  to  the  people  as  worthy 
their  aid  and  support,  and  trust  they  will  by  their  attendance, 
and  by  contributing  liberally  of  their  means  which  have  been 
protected  by  the  soldier,  make  the  Fair  a  success,  and  thus 
add  to  the  f  Mier  's  comfort. 

In  test  ly  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
caused  the  'Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be  affixed. 
Done  at  the  Capitol,  in  the  city  of  Madison,  this  19th  day  of 
April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-five. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


GETTYSBURG  CEMETERY 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  3,  1865. 
To  the  Honorable  tlie  Legislature: 

I  have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  herewith  the  Report  of 
W.  Y.   Selleck,  Esq.,  Commissioner  for  the  State  of  Wiscon- 


60  See  Wis.  Private  Laws,  1865,  chap.  16. — ED. 

[245] 


GOVERNOR   LEWIS  tl865~ 

sin,  in  the  matter  of  the  Soldiers'  National  Cemetery,  at  Gettys 
burg,  Pa.,  with  accompanying  documents  and  lithograph  de 
sign  of  monument.70 

Respectfully  Your  Ob'dt  Serv't, 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS,  Gov.  of  Wisconsin. 


STEALING  RECRUITS 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  15,  1865. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

I  am  informed  that  efforts  are  being  made  by  non-residents, 
and  in  some  instances  by  our  own  citizens,  to  induce  residents 
of  "Wisconsin  to  leave  this  state  for  the  purpose  of  being  en 
listed  in,  and  credited  to,  other  states,  thus  depriving  this 
state  of  credits  justly  its  due. 

I  would  therefore  recommend  the  passage  of  a  law  making 
it  a  penal  offense  to  induce  residents  of  Wisconsin,  by  offers 
of  money  or  other  means,  to  credit  themselves  to  other  states.71 
Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obd't  Servant, 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS,  Governor  of  Wisconsin. 


™  The  report  contained  a  request  for  $2,623  as  Wisconsin's  share  in 
the  cost  of  completing  the  Soldiers'  National  Cemetery  at  Gettysburg. 
A  bill  appropriating  the  desired  amount  was  introduced  in  the  Assem 
bly,  but  failed  to  pass.  In  1867  the  matter  was1  again  brought  up,  and 
the  appropriation  then  made.— ED. 

71 A  bill  embodying  the  Governor's  recommendation  was  introduced 
in  the  Assembly  on  April  1,  1865.  A  week  later  Lee  surrendered  at 
Appomattox  Court  House,  making  further  action  unnecessary. — ED. 


[246 


I865]  VICTORY  IN  SIGHT 


THE  SURRENDER  OF  LEE 

EXECUTIVE  DEPAKTMENT, 

MADISON,  April  10,  1865. 
To  the  Honorable    the  Legislature: 

Four  years  ago  on  the  day  fixed  for  adjournment,  the  sad 
news  of  the  fall  of  Fort  Sumter  was  transmitted  to  the  Legis 
lature.  To-day  thank  God;  and  next  to  Him  the  brave  officers 
and  soldiers  of  our  army  and  navy,  I  am  permitted  to  transmit 
to  you  the  official  intelligence,  just  received,  of  the  surrender 
of  General  Lee  and  his  army — the  last  prop  of  the  rebellion. 
Let  us  rejoice  and  thank  the  Ruler  of  the  Universe  for  victory 
and  the  prospect  of  an  honorable  peace. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


!   [247] 


GOVERNOR   LEWIS  Il865- 

1865.    In  Legislative  Recess 

PEACE  PROCLAIMED 

Two  days  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Legislature,  the  Gov 
ernor  issued  the  following: 

Proclamation 
"The  Lord  reigneth,  let  the  Earth  rejoice." 

The  God  of  battles  has  again  crowned  our  arms  with  victory. 
Under  His  guidance  our  brave  soldiers  are  "marching  on" 
from  conquest  to  conquest. 

Richmond  has  fallen!  The  rebel  army  that  held  it  in  de 
fiance  of  national  authority,  has  been  destroyed.  The  national 
honor  has  been  vindicated,  and  peace  and  a  restored  Union, 
with  all  their  countless  blessings,  are  smiling  through  the  clouds 
which  have  for  the  past  four  years  surrounded  us. 

Never  before  had  a  people  such  reason  for  rejoicing,  such 
grand  results  to  inspire  them. 

For  all  these  blessings  our  thanks  and  praises  are  due  to  our 
Heavenly  Father.  We  should  with  grateful  hearts  recognize 
the  power,  wisdom  and  goodness  of  Him  who  gave  us  the  vic 
tory,  and  bow  in  humble  submission  to  his  will. 

Our  officers,  soldiers  and  sailors  should  receive,  as  they  justly 
deserve,  the  welcome  plaudits  of  a  grateful  people,  and  their 
patriotic  mothers,  wives  and  fathers  who  have  so  nobly  sacri 
ficed  in  the  cause  of  their  country,  should  be  remembered. 

It  is  therefore  recommended  that  THURSDAY  the  20th  day 
of  the  present  month,  be  observed  by  the  people  of  this  State, 
as  a  day  of  thanksgiving,  prayer  and  praise  to  Almighty  God, 
and  of  general  rejoicing. 

Let  religious  services  mark  the  day,  and  bonfires  illuminate 

[248] 


l865]  JOY  AND  SORROW 

the  night;  let  the  drums  rattle,  and  the  loud  cannons  [sic] 
roar,  and  let  us  by  public  speeches  and  all  other  proper  demon 
strations  express  the  thankfulness  and  joy  of  our  people  at  the 
triumph  of  our  arms  in  the  cause  of  justice  and  humanity. 

And  in  our  praises  and  rejoicings,  may  we  not  forget  "Father 
Abraham/'  who,  in  the  goodness  of  his  heart,  to  the  down 
trodden  hath  said:  ''The  year  of  jubilee  has  come,"  and  to 
the  deluded  followers  of  Lee  and  Davis;  "Return  ye  ransomed 
sinners  home." 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  the  State,  in  the  Execu 
tive  Chamber  at  Madison,  this  12th  day  of  April,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-five,  and  of 
the  Independence  of  the  United  States:  the  eighty-ninth. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


ASSASSINATION  OF  LINCOLN 
On  April  17,  1865,  the  Governor  issued  the  following : 

Proclamation 

It  becomes  my  painful  duty  to  announce  to  the  people  of 
this  State  the  mournful  and  terrible  intelligence  of  the  death 
by  assassination  at  Washington  on  the  15th  instant,  of  Abraham 
Lincoln,  late  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  nation. 

No  event  could  have  plunged  the  nation  into  more  profound 
sorrow. 

A  great  and  good  man  has  fallen  a  victim  to  the  wickedest 
rebellion  the  world  has  ever  seen.  The  friend  of  the  poor,  the 
down-trodden  and  the  lowly,  the  pride  of  the  nation  is  no  more. 

As  a  statesman  his  power  was  felt  and  acknowledged.  His 
patriotism  was  unquestioned.  His  goodness  of  heart  was  pro 
verbial.  Because  he  was  kind  and  good  and  loved  Ms  fellow 
men,  because  the  people  loved  and  delighted  to  honor  him,  hath 
the  wicked  slain  him.  Oh,  Justice,  why  didst  thou  sleep ! 

[249] 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  [1865- 

May  this  sad  event,  this  terrible  wrong,  this  great  crime, 
arouse  the  nation  to  a  true  sense  of  the  wickedness  of  those 
men  who  are  seeking  its  destruction ;  arouse  every  true  lover  of 
his  country  to  do  or  die  for  the  Republic.  Have  we  great  and 
.good  men,  look  to  see  them  die  by  the  assassin's  knife.  Have 
we  the  poor  and  feeble,  look  to  see  them  made  the  slaves  of 
wicked  and  inhuman  masters,  or  prepare  to  defend  and  main- 
lain  the  Union  and  assert  the  power  and  authority  of  the 
Government.  In  behalf  of  this  State,  I  do  hereby  tender  to 
the  bereaved  family,  the  heartfelt  sympathy  of  its  people. 

And  I  do  recommend,  as  a  mark  of  respect  to  the  deceased, 
that  for  one  hundred  days  from  this  date,  all  public  offices, 
court  houses  and  other  public  buildings  be  clad  in  mourning, 
and  that  during  that  time  the  people  of  this  State  wear  the 
usual  badges  of  mourning;  and  in  view  of  this  sad  and  unfore 
seen  event,  I  do  hereby  modify  and  change  my  Proclamation  of 
the  12th  instant,  and  recommend  that  Wednesday,  the  19th 
instant,  be  observed  as  a  day  of  Fasting  and  Prayer,  and  in 
commemorating,  by  suitable  ceremonies  and  demonstrations,  the 
memory  of  our  late  Chief  Magistrate. 

It  is  ordered  that  appropriate  military  honors  be  paid  to  the 
memory  of  the  deceased. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be  affixed. 

Done  at  the  Capitol,  in  the  city  of  Madison,  this  17th  day  of 
April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-five. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


250 


5865]  GRATITUDE  TO  THE  TROOPS 

THANKING  THE  VOLUNTEERS 
On  September  2,  1865,  the  Governor  issued  the  following: 

Proclamation 

An  all-wise  Creator  has  permitted  us  to  triumph  over  treason. 

As  the  smoke  of  battle  clears  away,  and  we  behold  the  great 
work  which  has  been  accomplished  by  the  Army  of  the  Union; 
when  we  consider  that  it  has  stood  as  our  bulwark  in  the  dark 
est  hours  of  the  Republic,  and  when  we  remember  that  Wis 
consin's  sons  formed  a  part  of  this  great  Army,  and  view  the 
honorable  and  important  position  taken  by  them  in  it — the  rec 
ord  they  have  made,  our  hearts  swell  with  pride,  and  we  feel 
that  the  gratitude  and  thanks  of  our  people  are  due  and  should 
be  tendered  to  the  noble  men  who  have  taken  part  in  this,  the 
greatest  struggle  the  world  has  ever  known;  a  struggle  involv 
ing  not  alone  the  interests  of  this  Nation,  but  the  interests  of 
all  mankind;  a  struggle  every  day  of  which  was  crowded  with 
momentous  events. 

For  the  bravery  which  has  distinguished  Wisconsin  soldiers 
in  every  battle  in  which  they  have  been  engaged,  for  the  pa 
triotism  displayed  by  them  on  all  occasions;  for  the  gallantry 
with  which  they  have  borne  the  Stars  and  Stripes  and  the 
noble  manner  in  which  they  have  sustained  the  honor  of  the 
State  and  Nation,  I,  James  T.  Lewis,  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Wisconsin,  do  therefore  in  behalf  of  the  State,  hereby  tender  to 
all  Wisconsin  Officers  and  soldiers  of  every  grade,  the  heartfelt 
thanks  and  gratitude  of  its  people.  And  while  we  remember 
with  gratitude  the  living,  we  will  not  forget  the  heroic  dead. 
Their  memories  will  be  honored  and  cherished  by  our  people. 
Their  fame  survives — they  will  live  in  the  hearts  of  their  coun 
trymen. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name 
and  caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS 

affixed.     Done  at  Madison,  this  2d  day  of  September,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-five. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


THANKSGIVING  DAY 

On  October  28,  1865,  the  Governor  published  the  following: 

Proclamation 

Peace  again  smiles  upon  us.  The  work  of  death  has  ceased. 
The  authority  of  the  Government  has  been  fully  established,  and 
traitors  who  once  defied  it  now  bow  in  humble  submission.  The 
accursed  institution  of  African  slavery  has  perished.  The 
Union  established  by  our  fathers,  cemented  anew  by  the  blood 
of  their  patriot  sons  sends  forth  a  brighter  and  a  purer  light 
to  the  oppressed  of  other  lands.  The  people  of  our  State  have 
enjoyed  the  blessings  of  health  and  prosperity,  and  the  privi 
leges  of  education  and  Divine  worship.  Our  territory  has  not 
been  polluted  by  the  tread  of  the  invader.  Our  substance  has 
been  preserved. 

For  those,  and  the  many  other  favors  and  blessings  which  our 
Heavenly  Father  in  His  goodness  has  vouchsafed  to  us,  in  pro 
viding  for  our  wants  and  guarding  us  from  danger,  we  should 
thank  and  praise  Him.  While  we  enjoy  the  gift  let  us  not 
forget  the  giver. 

Feeling  that  we  should  express  our  gratitude  and  thankful 
ness  for  all  these  favors  and  blessings,  I,  James  T.  Lewis,  Gov 
ernor  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  in  accordance  with  a  time- 
honored  custom,  do  hereby  appoint  Thursday,  the  thirtieth  day 
of  November  A.  D.  1865,  a  day  of  thanksgiving,  prayer  and 
praise  to  Almighty  God;  and  do  recommend  to  the  people  that 
they  meet  on  that  day  in  their  usual  places  of  worship,  and 

"Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow," 

[252] 


THANKSGIVING 

thank  Him  for  His  goodness  toward  us  during  the  year  that 
has  passed,  and  ask  for  the  continuance  of  His  favors  and  bless 
ings. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Seal  of  the  State  in  the  Execu 
tive  Chamber  at  Madison,  this  28th  Day  of  October,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-five. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


But  on  November  15  he  issued  the  following  supplementary 
proclamation,  changing  the  day  of  Thanksgiving: 

Proclamation 

Whereas,  Andrew  Johnson,  President  of  the  United  States, 
has  issued  his  Proclamation  designating  the  first  Thursday  of 
December  next  as  a  day  of  National  Thanksgiving,  and 

Whereas,  It  is  desirable  that  the  same  day  may  be  observed 
throughout  the  State  and  Nation: 

Now,  therefore,  I,  JAMES  T.  LEWIS,  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Wisconsin,  do  hereby  modify  and  change  my  Proclamation  of 
the  28th  ultimo,  appointing  Thursday  the  30th  instant,  as  a 
day  of  Thanksgiving,  and  do  appoint  the  first  Thursday  of 
December  next  as  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  and  prayer. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Seal  of  the  State  in  the  Execu 
tive  Chamber  at  Madison,  this  15th  day  of  November,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-five. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


NEGRO  SUFFRAGE  IN  WISCONSIN 

[Entry  in  Executive  Register:]  Dec.  19,  1865.  On  this  day 
the  Governor  issued  the  following  Proclamation  announcing 
the  result  of  the  canvass  of  returns  of  votes  given  at  the  General 
election  held  on  the  7th  day  of  November  A.  D.  1865,  on  the 

[253] 


GOVERNOR   LEWIS  [l865~ 

question  of  extension  of  suffrage  to  male  "persons  of  African 
blood  who  shall  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty-one  years. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


STATE  OF  WISCONSIN, 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT. 

Pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  Section  6,  of  Chapter  414,  of 
the  General  Laws  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  for  the  year  1865, 
I,  James  T.  Lewis,  Governor  of  said  State,  do  hereby  announce 
and  proclaim  to  the  people  thereof,  the  following  as  the  result 
of  the  canvass  of  the  returns  of  votes  given  at  the  General  Elec 
tion  held  in  Said  State  of  Wisconsin  and  by  the  several  detach 
ments,  companies  and  regiments  of  soldiers,  citizens  of  said 
State  of  Wisconsin  in  the  military  service  of  the  United  States, 
on  the  7th  day  of  November,  A.  D.  1865,  on  the  question  of  the 
extension  of  suffrage  to  male  persons  of  African  blood,  wha 
shall  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  as  appears  by 
the  certificate  of  the  State  Board  of  Canvassers.72 

Whole  number  of  votes  cast 102 , 179 

"For  extension  of  suffrage,  No" 55 , 591 

"For  extension  of  suffrage" 46 , 588 

Majority  against  extension  of  suffrage 9 , 003 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name 
and  caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be 
affixed.  Dene  at  Madison,  this  19th  day  of  December,  A.  D. 
1865. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


•2  See  post,  p.  284,  note  84.— ED. 


[  254  ] 


i866]  MONEYS  EXPENDED 

LEWIS'S  CONTINGENT  FUND 

MADISON,  January  1,  1866. 
To  tlie  Hon.  Speaker  of  Assembly: 

SIR  : — The  act  providing  for  a  military  contingent  fund,  and 
appropriating  money  therefor,  makes  it  my  duty  to  report  to 
the  legislature  the  amount  of  money  expended  therefrom  during 
the  lest  year.  I  have  the  honor  to  report  through  you  to  the 
legislature,  that  I  saw  no  necessity  for  the  use  of  said  fund, 
and  have  made  no  draft  upon  it.  The  money  appropriated 
for  said  fund,  except  so  far  as  the  same  had  been  expended  by 
my  predecessors,  remains  in  the  state  treasury.  The  amount  in 
the  treasury  belonging  to  said  fund,  as  appears  by  the  report 
of  Governor  Salomon,  is  $3,609.70. 

I  have  the  honor,  further,  to  state  that  the  usual  appropri 
ation  of  five  thousand  dollars  to  the  governor,  as  a  general 
contingent  fund,  was,  at  my  request,  omitted  at  the  last  session 
of  the  legislature,  the  amount  remaining  in  said  fund  from  the 
appropriation  of  the  previous  year,  being  ample,  in  my  judg 
ment,  to  supply  all  necessary  drafts  upon  it, 

The  amount  appropriated  to  said  fund  two  years  ago  was..  $5,000  00 
Amount  refunded   thereto 5  4ff 


$5,005 
Amount  drawn  from  said  fund  during  the  year 

1864 $1,317  74 

Amount  drawn  from  said  fund  during  the  year 

1865  .  1,033  26 


Whole  amount  expended  during  the  two  years  above 
named  .  2 , 351  00 


Amount  still  remaining  in  the  state  treasury  belonging  to 

said   fund    .  .   $2,654  4$ 


[255 


GOVERNOR  LEWIS  tl866- 

I  would  further  state  that  soon  after  the  last  appropriation 
for  the  care  of  sick  and  wounded  Wisconsin  soldiers,,  was  placed 
at  my  disposal,  I  visited  Washington  and  most  of  the  hospital* 
where  Wisconsin  soldiers  were  to  be  found,  and  secured  the 
discharge  or  transfer  to  our  own  state  of  nearly  all  the  sick  and 
wounded  belonging  to  Wisconsin  regiments.  By  these  dis 
charges  and  transfers  the  lives  of  many  were  saved,  and  a  large 
amount  of  m'oney  was  saved  to  the  soldiers'  relief  fund,  which 
it  would  otherwise  have  been  necessary  to  use  in  their  care. 
This  fact,  together  with  the  closing  of  the  war,  and  consequent 
discharge  of  troops  at  an  earlier  day  than  was  anticipated  at 
the  time  the  appropriation  to  the  fund  last  above  named  was 
made,  rendered  it  necessary  to  use  but  a  small  portion  of  the 
money  thus  appropriated. 

The  whole  amount  expended  from  the  soldiers'  relief  fund 
since  my  last  report  to  the  legislature,  is $4,966  91 

Amount  belonging  to  said  fund  unexpended  and  still  re 
maining  in  the  state  treasury 22 , 050  84 

Whole  amount  of  these  funds  unexpended  and  now  in  state 
treasury  28,315  00 

Vouchers  for  all  expenditures  from  said  funds  with  a  full 
detailed  statement  of  each  item  will  be  found  in  the  executive 
office.  All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS. 


[256 


Governor  Lucius  Fairchild 

From  a  photograph  in  possession  of  the  Wisconsin  Historical  Society 


1866-72]    SKETCH   OF  GOVERNOR  FAIRCHILD 


1866-1872.      Lucius  Fairchild 

Biographical  Sketch 

Lucius  Fairchild,  tenth  Governor  of  Wisconsin,  was  born  at 
Franklin  Mills,  now  Kent,  Portage  County,  Ohio,  on  December 
27,  1831,  the  son  of  Jairus  Cassius  Fairchild,  a  native  of  New 
York,  and  Sally  (Blair)  Fairchild,  a  native  of  Massachusetts, 
of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  In  1834  the  family  moved  to  Cleve 
land,  Ohio,  and  in  1846  to  Madison,  Wisconsin.  Lucius 's  edu 
cation  was  obtained  in  the  schools  at  Cleveland,  at  Twinsburg 
Academy  in  Ohio,  and  at  Prairieville  Academy  in  Wisconsin. 
In  1849  he  went  overland  to  California  and  remained  there 
until  1855,  when  he  returned  to  Madison.  He  was  elected  clerk 
of  the  circuit  court  for  Dane  County  in  1858.  While  holding 
that  office  he  studied  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  I860. 

A  military  company  named  Governor's  Guard  was  organized 
in  Madison  in  1858.  Fairchild  was  a  member,  and  in  1861  its 
first-lieutenant.  This  was  the  first  company  to  volunteer  under 
the  President's  call  for  three  months'  men,  and  became  com 
pany  K,  First  Regiment  of  Wisconsin  Volunteers.  Lieutenant 
Fairchild  had  enlisted  as  a  private,  but  was  made  captain  of 
the  company.  The  regiment  was  sent  to  Virginia  and  took 
part  in  the  skirmish  at  Falling  Waters,  the  first  engagement  of 
the  war  in  which  Wisconsin  troops  were  concerned. 

The  President  on  August  5,  1861,  appointed  Captain  Fair- 
child  to  a  similar  position  in  the  Sixteenth  Regular  Infantry, 
and  four  days  later  he  was  appointed  by  Governor  Randall  as 
major  of  the  Second  Wisconsin  Volunteers  (three  years'  men). 
He  was  the  first  officer  of  the  regular  army  to  receive  leave  of 
absence  to  serve  with  volunteer  troops.  On  August  20  he  was 
promoted  to  the  lieutenant-colonelcy,  and  ten  days  later,  after 

17  [  257  ] 


GOVERNOR  FAIRCHiLD  [l866~ 

Colonel  O'Connor's  mortal  wound  at  the  battle  of  Gainesville, 
Fairchild  was  advanced  to  the  colonelcy  of  the  regiment. 

The  Second  was  part  of  the  famous  "Iron  Brigade."  Its 
new  colonel  led  it  in  the  campaigns  and  engagements  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  until  the  battle  of  Gettysburg.  Here  he 
lost  his  left  arm,  and  was  captured;  but  being  too  weak  to  be 
moved,  he  was  released  after  two  days'  imprisonment.  On 
October  20  he  was  made  a  brigadier-general  of  volunteers. 

Before  the  war,  General  Fairchild  was  a  Democrat,  but  had 
now  become  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  While  at 
home  recovering  from  his  wound,  he  was,  much  to  his  surprise, 
nominated  for  secretary  of  state  by  the  Union-Republican  con 
vention.  He  was  reluctant  to  give  up  his  military  career,  but 
accepted  the  nomination  and  resigned  his  commission  in  the 
belief  that  he  could  in  his  disabled  condition  be  of  most  serv 
ice  to  the  nation  and  the  State  in  a  civil  capacity.  He  was 
elected  in  November,  and  served  from  January  4,  1864,  to  Jan 
uary  1,  1866.  In  April,  1864,  he  married  Miss  Frances  Bull 
of  Washington. 

In  the  autumn  election  of  1865  Fairchild  was  elected  gov 
ernor,  being  re-elected  in  1867  and  1869.  In  1872  he  was  ap 
pointed  United  States  consul  at  Liverpool,  and  in  1878  was 
promoted  to  be  consul-general  at  Paris.  He  was  sent  to  Madrid 
in  March,  1880,  to  succeed  James  Russell  Lowell  as  minister 
plenipotentiary,  and  remained  at  that  embassy  until  December, 
1881.  His  return  to  America  was  induced  by  his  desire  to  com 
plete  the  education  .of  his  children  in  the  United  States. 

Governor  Fairchild  was  honored  with  various  offices  by  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic :  in  1869  he  was  elected  its  senior 
vice  commander-in-chief,  and  in  1886  commander  of  the  Wis 
consin  department.  At  the  National  Encampment  of  the  last- 
named  year  he  wa«  chosen  commander-in-chief  of  the  order. 
In  the  Military  Order  of  the  Loyal  Legion  he  was  commander 
of  the  Wisconsin  commandery  from  May,  1884  to  May,  1887, 
and  was  elected  commander-in-chief  of  the  entire  order  in  Oct 
ober,  1893. 

[258] 


l8/2J  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

He  was  ever  an  active  friend  of  the  State  University,  long 
served  as  an  officer  of  the  State  Historical  Society,  and  was  un 
ceasing  in  his  efforts  to  secure  for  the  Society  a  suitable  li 
brary  building1.  His  valuable  public  services,  official  and  un 
official,  cannot  all  be  enumerated  within  the  limits  of  this  neces 
sarily  brief  sketch.  He  died  May  23,  1896. 


[259] 


GOVERNOR  FAIRCHILD  [1866- 


^    y/hw-^vr  ••*-;'*         'f  3 

1866.    Inaugural  Ceremonies 

On  January  1,  1866,  Governor  Fan-child  and  His  fellow  State 
officers  were  inaugurated  in  the  Assembly  Chamber.  On  this 
occasion,  retiring-Governor  Lewis  delivered  a 

FAREWELL  ADDRESS 

in  which  he  made  the  following  allusion  to  the  war: 

It  is  a  source  of  great  satisfaction  to  me,  *  *  *  to  know 
that  all  our  public  institutions  and  interests  are  in  good  condi 
tion,  and  that  our  State  credit  has  not  been  impaired,  notwith 
standing  the  large  amounts  of  money  it  has  been  necessary  to 
raise  and  expend  during  the  last  four  years.  Never,  during 
that  time,  have  Wisconsin  bonds  been  sold  by  the  State  for  less 
than  par;  and  no  State  has  done  its  duty  to  the  General  Gov 
ernment  more  fully  or  promptly,  or  made  a  prouder  record  in 
the  late  war,  than  has  Wisconsin.  She  sent  forth  noble  men, 
and  nobly  did  they  do  their  duty.  They  fought  in  nearly  every 
action  and  none  fought  better,  none  were  more  patriotic,  none 
made  greater  sacrifices.  The  presence  of  over  ninety  thousand  of 
her  bravest  sons  in  the  Union  lines  at  the  post  of  danger, 
evinced  her  patriotism.  The  new-made  graves  of  about  eleven 
thousand  of  her  best  citizens,  who  have  fallen  on  the  field  of 
battle,  attest  her  sacrifices.  May  Wisconsin  remember  her 
heroic  soldiers! 

It  is  the  part  of  wisdom  to  profit  by  the  lessons  of  the  past. 
The  last  four  years  have  been  so  crowded  with  important  events 
that  it  would  be  difficult  to  enumerate  them  all ;  yet,  as  the  war 
has  just  closed,  at  this  important  epoch,  as  we  are  turning  from 
the  scenes  of  war  and  strife  to  the  duties  of  peace,  while  we 
stand  in  a  position  to  view  the  horrors  of  the  one  and  the  bless 
ings  of  the  other,  it  may  be  well  to  refer  to  a  few  of  the  les 
sons  those  events  have  taught  us.  I  trust  you  will  not  think 


1 866]  LEWIS'S   FAREWELL 

me  out  of  place  in  so  doing;  and  first,  I  remark,  they  have 
taught  us  that  we  should  be  watchful  of  our  rights  and  inter 
ests,  and  prevent  evils  if  possible,  or  correct  them  while  they 
are  easily  controlled.  That  it  is  much  better  for  a  people  to 
be  watchful  of  their  rights  and  interests,  and  avoid  evils,  or 
correct  them  by  mild  and  moderate  means  on  the  first  appearance 
of  wrong — the  first  departure  from  the  right  road — than  it  is 
to  allow  them  to  accumulate  until  some  great  upheaval  occurs, 
which,  while  it  corrects  prominent  evils,  carries  death  and  de 
struction  in  its  course  and  causes  great  sacrifices  which  might, 
by  proper  forethought,  have  been  avoided.  An  evil  had  long 
existed  in  our  midst,  which  was  allowed  to  fester,  until,  in  por 
tions  of  our  Union,  it  corrupted  the  very  fountain  of  social  life, 
resulting  in  ignorance,  degradation,  want  and  crime,  finally  cul 
minating  in  the  great  crime  of  rebellion.  Force  had  to  be  met 
with  force.  War  was  the  result,  with  all  its  evils  and  sacrifices. 
They  have  taught  us  there  is  a  power  that  will  eventually  en 
force  the  right;  that  although  justice  may  be  delayed,  sooner  or 
later  it  will  be  heard ;  that  the  great  natural  rights  of  man  can 
not  be  disregarded  with  impunity;  that  slavery  was  a  great 
wrong ;  that  our  arms  were  weak  when  we  attempted  to  defend 
it,  but  strong  when  we  undertook  to  strike  off  its  chains.  They 
have  taught  us  that  we  should  rely  more  upon  the  justness  of 
our  cause  and  less  upon  our  own  strength,  if  we  would  succeed. 
That  while  man  defends  the  wrong,  God  defends  the  right,  and 
who  can  doubt  as  to  the  result?  that  we  should  rely  more  upon 
God  and  less  upon  man.  Even  when  in  the  right,  man  often 
fails  us,  God,  never.  In  the  late  rebellion  where  none,  it  would 
seem,  could  mistake  the  road,  many  have  straggled.  Many  have 
fallen  out  by  the  way-side,  many  have  fainted.  See  France  and 
England,  away  from  the  excitement  of  the  hour,  calmly  and  in 
their  sober  moments,  with  all  their  boasted  philanthropy, 
acknowledging  the  right,  yet  pursuing  the  wrong;  guided  by 
their  selfishness  rather  than  by  their  sense  of  justice.  Yet  with 
all  the  faltering  and  opposition  of  men,  with  all  the  powers  of 
France  and  England  and  Hell  combined,  the  shackles  of  the 

:  [261] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD 

slave  have  fallen  and  the  Union  is  saved.  God  had  decreed  that 
it  should  be  so.  God  had  said  to  the  black  man,  "the  year  of 
jubilee  has  come/'  and  the  more  men  and  governments  opposed 
the  more  certain  were  they,  like  Pharaoh's  host,  to  be  engulfed 
beneath  the  waves.  They  have  taught  us  that  we  should,  with 
great  caution,  take  back  to  our  bosoms  the  viper  that  has  stung 
us  near  unto  death. 

The  people  of  the  Southern  States  have  done  us  a  great  wrong. 
They  disregarded  the  best  interests  of  our  country  by  making 
war  upon  the  Government,  and  undertaking  to  enslave  its 
people.  They  seized  our  forts  and  arsenals,  violated  solemn 
oaths,  disregarded  compromises,  with  fire  and  sword,  by  assump 
tion  and  "bullying  ill  the  very  Capitol  of  the  nation,  sought  to 
accomplish  our  destruction. 

They  have  been  arrested  in  their  mad  career  and  now  ask  to 
be  reinstated  with  all  their  former  privileges.  It  may  be  for 
the  purpose  of  re-enacting  the  bloody  scenes  of  the  past.  Of 
this  we  know  not. 

While  I  would  not  now,  after  all  their  base  acts,  advise 
harshness  towards  them,  neither  would  I  too  suddenly  and  too 
lovingly  embrace  them.  There  is  a  blackness  which  effects  evil, 
which  lies  not  like  the  African's  skin  on  the  surface,  but  way 
down  deep  in  the  heart,  that  rankles  there,  and  as  an  oppor 
tunity  offers  stings  even  its  benefactor.  The  lessons  of  the  past 
would  teach  us  to  pause,  give  their  passions  time  to  cool.  Let 
our  course  toward  them  be  dictated  by  reason  and  good  sound 
judgment,  not  by  sickly,  ill-advised  lenity,  neither  by  revenge 
or  overheated,  passionate  severity.  Give  the  proper  tribunals 
time  to  ascertain  the  full  measure  of  their  guilt,  and  then  let 
justice  tempered  by  mercy  take  its  course.  They  have,  as  I 
before  remarked,  done  us  a  great  wrong  Let  them  frankly 
acknowledge  that  wrong  and  do  right.  Let  them  bring  forth 
fruits  meet  for  repentance.  Let  them  show  by  their  works  that 
they  do  not  desire  to  return  to  us  again  to  destroy;  that  they 
love  and  have  faith  in  republican  institutions;  have  faith  that 
tnan  is  capable  of  self-government;  that  they  abhor  wrong  and 

[262] 


l866]  INAUGURAL 

oppression  and  love  right  and  justice,  and  are  willing  to  join 
us  in  the  great  work  of  removing  the  burdens  from  those  that 
are  heavy  laden — raising  up  the  down  trodden,  the  poor  and 
the  afflicted.  Show  by  their  acts  that  their  new  found  faith  has 
really  made  them  whole. 


After  taking  the  oath  of  office,  Governor  Fairchild's 
INAUGURAL  ADDRESS 

was  delivered  as  fellows: 

Fellow  Citizens: 

In  entering  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  the  high  office 
to  which  I  have  been  so  recently  elected  by  the  people,  I  fully 
appreciate  its  responsibilities,  and  in  the  discharge  of  its  duties 
I  shall  earnestly  endeavor  to  execute  faithfully  the  trust  com 
mitted  to  my  care,  to  honestly  enforce  the  laws  of  the  State,  to 
carefully  exercise  the  closest  economy,  consistent  with  the  pub 
lic  good,  in  the  expenditure  of  public  money. 

More  important  duties  and  graver  responsibilities,  have  de 
volved  upon  my  immediate  predecessors  than  will  ever  again  fall 
to  the  lot  of  the  Executive  of  this  State. 

To  the  people  it  will  ever  be  a  source  of  proud  satisfaction, 
that  during  the  trials  and  dangers  of  civil  strife,  their  chief 
magistrates  have,  by  their  energy,  ability  and  experience,  so 
managed  the  affairs  of  the  commonwealth,  as  not  only  to  reflect 
credit  upon  themselves,  but  to  place  the  State  they  have  so  ably 
represented  among  the  foremost  of  its  sister  states  in  rallying 
its  forces  to  the  defense  of  the  Republic. 

With  the  return  of  peace  much  of  the  responsibility  and  care 
has  passed  away.  The  marshaling  of  armed  forces  is  already 
a  thing  of  the  past.  The  great  army  of  a  million  of  men,  the 
like  of  which  the  world  had  never  seen,  in  a  little  more  than 

[263] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD 

half  a  year  has  dwindled  into  a  comparative  handful.  The 
transition  from  the  citizen  to  the  soldier  was  not  half  so  rapid, 
nor  half  so  wonderful,  as  has  been  the  transition  from  the 
soldier  to  the  citizen. 

The  citizen  soldier  has  become  the  plain  citizen,  and  as  the 
former  has  never  been  wanting  in  the  discharge  of  his  military 
duties,  so  we  know  that  the  latter  will  ever  be  equal  to  the 
responsibilities  and  cares  of  civil  life. 

The  people  of  this  State  will  ever  remember  with  pride  that 
they  have  so  nobly  answered  the  calls  of  the  general  government 
for  men.  Over  ninety  thousand  of  Wisconsin  sons  have  gone 
to  the  front,  and  whatever  of  danger  union  soldiers  have  risked, 
whatever  privations  they  have  endured,  whatever  honors  they 
have  won,  the  soldiers  of  this  State  have  fully  shared. 

As  they  were  good  citizens  at  home,  so  they  have  made  good 
soldiers  abroad;  and  wherever  the  flag  of  the  Union  has  gone, 
there  have  gone  Wisconsin  regiments,  carrying  with  them,  and 
maintaining  everywhere,  a  reputation  for  loyalty  and  bravery 
unsurpassed. 

;  Loving  hands  have  ministered  to  the  comfort  of  the  sick  and 
wounded,  and  loving  hearts  mourn  the  loss  of  over  ten  thousand 
of  our  brave  boys,  who  have  gone  down  to  death  in  defense  of 
their  country. 

With  the  close  of  civil  war,  however,  all  dangers  have  not 
been  averted,  nor  have  all  responsibilities  ceased. 

Great  political  problems  still  remain  unsolved,  and  their  solu 
tion  requires  not  only  the  exercise  of  the  calmest  judgment,  and 
the  keenest  discrimination  of  our  greatest  and  best  public  men, 
but  also  the  earnest  thought,  the  unwearied  effort,  and  the 
honest  purpose,  of  all  the  intelligent  citizens  of  the  Republic. 

Two  great  and  important  questions  have  already  been  de 
termined  by  the  late  war.  The  right  of  secession,  so  strenu 
ously  claimed  by  the  people  of  the  south,  and  so  vigorously 
maintained  by  their  arms  for  more  than  four  years,  has  been 
forever  decided  against  them,  and  from  this  judgment,  obtained 

[264] 


1866]  INAUGURAL 

by  the  Union  army  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  there  is  no 
appeal. 

He  who  shall  hereafter  claim  for  any  state  the  right  to  with 
draw  from  the  Union,  either  peaceably  or  forcibly,  will  be  a 
bold  bad  man,  unworthy  of  the  high  privileges  bestowed  upon 
him  by  the  government,  and  undeserving  of  the  protection  of 
its  laws. 

The  national  unity  has  been  fully  demonstrated,  and  the 
national  honor  fully  vindicated,  by  the  armed  power  of  the 
government,  and  those  who  sought  to  divide  and  destroy  the 
country  have  been  compelled  to  bow  their  heads  before  the 
majesty  of  the  law,  and  on  bended  knees  ask  pardon  for  their 
crime. 

The  verdict  of  the  American  people  is,  that  any  attempt  to 
right  a  fancied  or  real  grievance,  by  force  of  arms,  is  treason, 
and  they  ask,  as  they  have  the  right  to  ask,  that  the  highest 
judicial  tribunal  in  the  land  shall  give  expression  to  that  ver 
dict,  by  a  trial  upon  a  charge  of  that  high  crime,  in  accordance 
with  law,  of  the  chief  representative  of  the  rebellion,  the  man 
who  stood  before  the  world  as  the  acknowledged  leader  of  the 
traitors.  Not  until  Jefferson  Davis  shall  have  been  tried,  con 
victed  and  hung  for  treason,  and  the  fact  that  treason  is  a 
crime  which  cannot  be  committed  with  impunity,  shall  have 
thus  been  fully  demonstrated,  will  the  people  be  content. 

The  slave  holding  interest  of  the  country,  and  that  alone,  had 
the  will  and  the  power  to  attempt  the  disruption  of  the  Union, 
and,  as  the  doctrine  of  secession  grew  out  of  slavery,  so  the 
desire  of  the  slaveholder  to  establish  that  doctrine,  and  his 
power  to  maintain  it,  came  from  the  same  source. 

The  success  of  one,  was  the  success  of  both — the  failure  of 
one,  the  failure  of  both.  Slavery  and  treason  died  together;  so 
that  the  American  people,  when  they  executed  the  judgment 
upon  the  alleged  right  of  secession,  also  determined  that  this 
great  republic  could  not  and  should  not  longer  exist  half  slave 
and  half  free. 

The  American  people  have  decreed,  and  by  force  of  arms 

[265]  i 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHJLD  [l866~ 

Jiave  demonstrated,  that  the  Union  is  one  and  indivisible;  that 
its  people,  of  whatever  race  or  color,  shall  be  forever  free. 

It  now  devolves  upon  us  to  see  to  it,  that  the  freedom  so 
established  shall  be  something  more  than  a  mere  name.  It 
must  be  so  broad  and  comprehensive  as  to  include  within  its 
privileges  and  rights,  all  races  and  colors,  and  must  be  so 
guarded  by,  and  hedged  in  with  constitutional  enactments, 
that  no  person,  not  even  the  highest  in  the  land,  can  with  im 
punity  trample  upon  the  sacred  natural  rights  of  the  humblest 
citizen,  whatever  may  be  that  citizens'  creed  or  color. 

Congress  has  'already  so  amended  the  Constitution  that 
slavery  can  no  longer  have  an  existence  in  the  land.  That 
amendment  has  been  ratified  by  three-fourths  of  the  sovereign 
states  of  the  republic,  and  has  now  become  a  part  of  the  Con 
stitution  itself.  It  is  as  enduring  and  as  sacred  as  any  part  of 
that  great  charter  of  American  rights;  but  something  yet  re 
mains  to  be  done  to  make  it  reach,  with  all  its  beneficial  effects, 
the  class  for  whom  it  was  intended. 

Special  enactments  must  be  passed  for  the  benefit  of  the 
freedman,  to  protect  him  against  the  oppressions  of  his  late 
master. 

Whatever  he  earns  should  be  absolutely  his  own.  His  con 
tracts  should  be  as  sacred  in  the  eye  of  the  law  as  those  of  the 
white  man,  and  the  means  of  enforcing  them  should  be  placed 
fully  within  his  reach.  He  should  be  admitted  upon  the  wit 
ness  stand,  and  in  the  jury  box,  and  should  be  made  to  feel 
that  he  is  no  longer  a  chattel,  but  a  man,  invested  with  and  pro 
tected  in  all  the  rights  of  manhood. 

Freedom  is  no  boon  to  him,  unless  he  is  protected  in  all  his 
rights  under  it,  and  permitted  and  encouraged  to  pursue  any 
and  all  avocations  for  which  he  is  qualified. 

That  he  should  at  once  be  entrusted  with  the  right  of  suffrage, 
is  a  matter  of  great  doubt  in  the  minds  of  many  of  his  best 
friends.  There  are  many  who  think  that  in  any  event  some 
limit  should  be  attached  to  the  extension  of  that  privilege.  It 
-cannot  be  expected  that  a  slave  population,  whose  shackles  have 

[266] 


l866J  INAUGURAL 

been  so  recently  stricken  off,  can  at  onee  intelligently  exercise 
this  sacred  and  important  trust.  But  some  there  are  among 
them  from  whom  that  great  privilege  should  not  be  withheld. 

That  man  among  them,  who  in  the  midst  of  the  most  abject 
bondage,  and  in  spite  of  unfriendly  legislation,  has  so  far  risen 
above  his  class  and  condition  as  to  be  able  to  read  and  write, 
cannot  be  wholly  unfit  to  exercise  the  right  of  suffrage. 

Nor  should  those  who  voluntarily  took  up  their  muskets,  and 
fought  in  the  Union  army  for  the  perpetuity  of  republican  in 
stitutions,  be  held  unworthy  of  the  highest  rights  and  dearest 
privileges  of  American  citizenship. 

It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  the  citizens  of  our  own  state 
should  have  again  denied  to  the  colored  people  in  our  midst  the 
right  of  suffrage.73 

Time  will  yet  modify  their  opinions,  and  this  privilege  will, 
sooner  or  later,  be  extended  to  that  class.  There  can  be  no 
good  reason  why  any  man  of  intelligence,  who  is  a  good  citizen, 
who  pays  taxes  for  the  support  of  the  government,  is  subject 
to  military  duty,  and  who  yields  a  ready  obedience  to  the  laws 
should  not  be  allowed  an  expression  of  his  opinion  at  the  ballot- 
box. 

If  any  restriction  is  to  be  placed  upon  that  privilege,  it 
should  relate,  not  to  the  complexion  of  the  voter,  but  to  his  in 
telligence  and  capacity. 

I  trust  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the  suffrage  laws  of 
all  the  states  will  be  alike,  and  that  they  will  be  so  broad  and 
comprehensive  in  their  provisions  as  to  reach  every  man  in  the 
land  who  can  read  and  write,  and  none  others.  In  this  land  of 
schools  and  colleges  no  man  need  be  disqualified  under  such  a 
law,  unless  he  chooses  to  be,  and  if  he  chooses  to  be,  he  will  be 
entirely  unfit  to  vote. 


•"The  question  of  negro  suffrage  was  submitted  to  the  people  of 
the  State  in  1865  by  direction  of  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1865,  chap.  414,  and 
was  decisively  defeated  by  a  vote  of  54,307  to  46,248.  See  post,  p.  284, 
note  84. — ED. 

'•  [267] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD 


£66- 


In  the  reconstruction  of  those  states  lately  in  rebellion,  it 
seems  both  necessary  and  proper  that  ample  evidence  should 
be  required  upon  their  part  that  they  are  disposed  to  yield  a 
ready  and  willing  obedience  to  the  Constitution  and  the  laws. 

When  the  Southern  people  arrayed  themselves  in  arms 
against  the  government  they  committed  treason,  and  forfeited 
all  their  political  rights  under  the  Constitution.  Now  that  they 
ask  to  be  re-invested  with  those  rights,  it  is  just  and  proper  that 
the  government,  in  granting  them  political  power  and  privileges, 
should  annex  to  the  grant  such  conditions  as  are  necessary  to 
insure  the  future  peace  of  the  nation. 

Bach  state  should  at  least  be  required  to  ratify  the  amend 
ment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  abolishing  slavery, 
even  though  the-  ratification  of  the  full  number  of  states  neces 
sary  to  make  it  binding  has  already  been  obtained. 

Each  state  ought  also  to  be  required  to  ratify  further  amend 
ments  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  forever  prohib 
iting  the  payment  of  debts  contracted  in  support  of  the  rebel 
lion,  affirming  the  sacredness  of  the  national  debt,  forever  bar 
ring  any  right  of  action  against  persons  in  the  United  States 
army  for  acts  done  while  in  the  line  of  duty,  by  order  of  their 
proper  officers,  during  the  late  war ;  declaring  all  ordinances 
of  secession,  past  and  future,  null  and  void;  and  apportioning 
representation  in  Congress  upon  the  basis  of  the  number  of 
voters  in  each  state. 

With  these  conditions  faithfully  carried  out,  and  with  the 
necessary  general  congressional  enactments  for  the  full  pro 
tection  of  all  Union  men  white  or  black,  the  people  will  be  glad 
to  again  admit  those  states  into  full  communion  with  the  Union, 
and  welcome  them  with  open  arms. 

The  loyal  people  of  the  North  will  never  be  satisfied  unless 
these  conditions,  or  others  equivalent  thereto,  are  insisted  upon. 
Anything  less  will  be  mistaken  leniency,  and  will  endanger  the 
perpetuity  of  the  government. 

I  do  not  desire,  nor  do  I  believe,  that  the  citizens  of  any  of 
the  loyal  states  desire  to  humiliate  the  Southern  people.  They 

[268] 


INAUGURAL 

L  .  /  ••  u* 

were  our  brothers,  they  became  our  enemies,  they  are  our 
brothers  again.  Their  prosperity  is  ours,  under  the  same  flag 
we  must  live  or  die  as  a  nation.  "We  are  all  citizens  of  one 
common  country,  and  must  live  together  in  brotherly  unity. 

"We  of  the  North  only  ask,  that  this  final  settlement  of  all  the 
questions  arising  out  of  this  contest,  shall  be  upon  such  terms 
as  will  insure,  future  peace  and  justice  to  all  citizens. 

One  of  the  greatest  evils  inflicted  upon  the  country  by  the 
war,  is  an  immense  national  debt;  the  faith  of  the  government 
is  pledged  for  its  payment,  and  it  must  and  will  be  paid  to  the 
last  dollar  of  principal  and  interest. 

The  national  honor  is  at  stake,  and  the  people  who  created 
the  debt,  in  their  almost  superhuman  effort  to  maintain  a  free 
government,  have  not  only  the  power,  but  the  will  and  the  in 
tegrity,  to  fulfill  their  obligations  to  the  fullest  extent.  Re 
pudiation  would  be  a  stain  which  could  never  be  effaced. 

It  would  have  been  better  to  have  failed  in  the  contest,  and 
have  been  blotted  entirely  from  the  nations  of  the  earth,  than, 
being  successful,  to  disgrace  ourselves  by  voluntarily  ignoring 
the  claims  of  those  who  came  forward  to  the  support  of  the 
government  in  its  time  of  need. 

Repudiation  in  any  form,  and  under  any  circumstances,  is 
one  of  the  greatest  of  national  evils,  and  the  worst  of  national 
sins. 

The  power  is  in  the  hands  of  the  President  and  Congress  to 
make  the  victory  so  dearly  won  a  lasting  benefit  to  the  coun 
try;  and,  with  full  confidence  in  their  wisdom  and  judgment, 
the  people  await  their  action. 

If  this  action  shall  be  such  as  to  meet  the  expectations  of 
their  constituents,  and  of  this  I  have  no  doubt,  the  results  of 
the  rebellion,  which  was  commenced  for  the  destruction  of  the 
government,  may  illustrate  anew  the  beneficence  of  that  Prov 
idence,  which,  overruling  the  designs  of  the  wicked,  out  of  seem 
ing  evil  still  educes  good. 

The  curse  of  slavery  removed,  labor  made  respectable  and  idle 
ness  a  disgrace,  among  all  classes,  the  rudiments,  at  least,  of 

[269] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l866~ 

an  education  assured  to  all  the  children  of  the  republic,  the 
rights  of  free  discussion  established  and  guaranteed  in  every 
state  and  section,  a  new  era  of  material  progress  and  intellec 
tual  development  will  dawn  upon  the  country,  compared  with 
which  the  prosperity  and  greatness  of  the  past,  unprecedented 
as  they  have  been,  will  sink  into  insignificance. 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 


[270] 


I8661  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


1866.    Nineteenth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  11- 

April  10 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention* 
on  January  11,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  which  occurred  the  following  passages  relative  to  Wisconsin 's- 
participation  in  the  war  between  the  States: 

Gentlemen  of  th-e  Senate  and  Assembly: 

Our  first  duty  is  to  give  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  all 
His  mercies  to  us  during  the  past  year.  The  people  of  no 
nation  on  earth  have  greater  cause  to  be  thankful  than  have 
our  people.  The  enemies  of  the  country  have  been  overthrown, 
in  battle.  The  war  has  settled  finally  great  questions  at  issue  be 
tween  ourselves,  and  there  seems  to  be  abundant  reason  to 
hope  that  a  peace  which  shall  never  more  be  broken  by  internal 
strife  is  at  length  vouchsafed  to  us. 

We  mourned  as  no  people  ever  mourned  before,  when  our 
beloved  President  was  stricken  down  by  the  hand  of  the  assas 
sin.  That  his  mantle  has  fallen  upon  a  patriot  of  such  ap 
proved  fidelity,  and  a  statesman  of  such  earnest  and  upright 
purposes  as  Andrew  Johnson,  is  a  subject  of  just  congratula 
tion,  and  renews  our  confidence  that  the  Divine  Hand,  which 
has  thus  far  led  our  country  through  manifold  perils,  still  up 
holds  it  and  directs  its  destinies. 

Unlike  former  wars,  the  one  through  which  we  have  just 
passed  has  not  been  followed  by  commercial  stagnation.  Every 
where  the  business  of  the  country  has  sprung  into  life  with 
more  than  pristine  vigor.  Manufacturers  are  pressed  to  the 
utmost  limit  of  their  power,  to  supply  demands.  A  million  of 
men  have  returned  from  the  war,  been  disbanded  in  our  midst 
and  resumed  their  former  occupations,  and  yet  from  all  sides1 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l866~ 

we  hear  the  surest  of  all  signs  of  national  prosperity,  com 
plaints  of  the  scarcity  .,of  labor. 


The  revenues  of  the  state  for  the  fiscal  year  are  estimated  as 
follows:7*^  Jn; 

*  *  #  #  #  #  *  * 

Trust  funds  available  for  war  purposes $200,000  00 

*******  * 

Due  from  the  United  States,  on  war  claims 160, 000  00 

_ 

*******  * 

-  It  is  confidently  expected  that  the  state  authorities  will  be 
able  to  effect  a  full  settlement  with  the  United  States  during 
the  present -year,  and  that  the  State  will  be  fully  reimbursed 
for  all  moneys  expended  for  war  purposes,   which  properly 
belong  to  the  General   Government  to  pay.    Vouchers  for  a 
large  amount  are  already  filed  with  the  proper  auditing  offi 
cers  at  Washington,  and  in  process  of  settlement,  and  other 
Touchers  are  now  being  prepared  for  transmittal.75 

Congress  will  probably  enact  laws  during  its  present  session, 
which  will  facilitate  the  final  adjustment  of  all  claims  of  this 
nature. 

There  was  received  during  1865,  from  the  United  States,  on 
account,  the  sum  of  $300,238.26. 


74  The  estimate  of  expenditures  for  military  purposes   during  the 
fiscal  year,  was1  as  follows: 

Payment  of  temporary  loan  from  the  trust  funds  for 

war  purposes $528,000 

War  expenses   (extra  pay  to  soldiers) 200,000. — ED. 

75  See,  ante,  pp.  223,  224,  note  50.— ED. 


[272] 


l866]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


WAR  FUND 

The  receipts  of  the  war  fund  for  the  last  fiscal  year  were  as 
follows : 

Loans  from  the  trust  funds $818 , 000  00 

From  the  United  States 300,238  26 

State  tax  for  war  purposes 200 , 000  00 

Semi-annual  payments  on  state  bonds 44,677  25 

Refunded  items  1,413  68 


Total   * $1,364,329  19 

Balance  in  fund  September  30,  1864 2,173  87 


$1,366,503  06 

Disbursements  were  for 

Extra  pay  to  soldiers  supporting  families $1,030,537  36 

Transfers  to  other  funds 208,716  75 

Interest  on  war  bonds 75,040  00 

Labor  in  state  armory 917  50 

Clerk  hire,  printing,  surgeon  general,  etc 25,457  58 


$1,340,669  19 
Balance  in  Fund  September  30,  1865 $25 , 833  87 

There  has  been  paid  out  of  the  state  treasury  for  war  pur 
poses,  since  the  beginning  of  the  rebellion  to  the  1st  day  of 
January,  1866,  not  less  than  $3,900,000. 

There  has  been  raised  by  counties,  cities  and  towns  for  war 
purposes,  up  to  June  1st,  1865,  $7,752,505.67.  Total  expended 
by  the  state,  $11,652,505.67,  $762,403.09  of  which  has  been 
reimbursed  by  the  general  government. 

A  large  sum  has  also  been  paid  by  localities,  by  tax  levied 
last  year,  of  which  the  state  has  no  account.  la  consequence 
of  this  vast  expenditure  of  money  for  war  purposes,  the  bur- 
18  [  273  ] 


GOVERNOR  FAIRCHILD  [l866~ 

dens  of  the  people  have  been  heavy.  In  all  of  our  state  affairs 
we  should  practice  the  strictest  economy  consistent  with  the 
public  good.  The  people  demand  it,  and  will  expect  all  in  au 
thority  to  comply. 

Make  no  appropriations  which  are  not  entirely  necessary, 
and  insist  that  all  who  are  empowered  to  expend  the  public 
money  shall  do  so  with  an  eye  single  to  the  public  welfare. 


MILITARY 

In  submitting  herewith  the  report  of  the  quartermaster  gen 
eral,  I  wish  to  urge  upon  you  the  importance  of  providing  a 
proper  building,  or  buildings,  for  a  state  arsenal. 

The  report  shows  that  there  are  now  in  the  possession  of  the 
state,  ordinance,  arms,  ammunition,  and  military  stores,  as  fol 
lows: 

Nine  field  pieces,  fully  equipped;  5,186  muskets  and  rifles-, 
with  accoutrements-  481  sabers  and  swords;  103,300  rounds  of 
ammunition ;  4,000  haversacks  and  canteens,  together  with  nuich 
other  property;  all  of  which  is  at  present  stored  in  four  differ 
ent  places,  in  rooms  in  no  way  suited  to  its  proper  preserva 
tion,  and,  unless  steps  be  taken  to  prevent  it,  will  soon  become 
unfit  for  use.  The  room  now  used  as  an  armory  is  so  small 
that  arms  are  necessarily  kept  packed  in  chests,  or  piled  up  in 
such  a  way  that  frequent  inspections  are  impossible. 

The  ammunition  which  is,  by  the  courtesy  of  United  States 
officers  in  command  there,  now  stored  at  Camp  Randall,  must 
be  removed  when  that  post  is  broken  up.  The  state  has  no 
magazine  to  which  it  can  be  taken. 

From  the  lack  of  proper  buildings  in  which  to  store  such 
property,  no  requisition  has  been  made  upon  the  United  States 
for  the  allowance  of  arms  due  to  the  state  under  the  act  of 
Congress  of  April,  1848. 

These  considerations  seem  to  render  it  necessary  that  a  site 
should  be  selected,  and  buildings  suitable  for  an  arsenal  be 

[274] 


I866J  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

erected  at  an  early  day.  The  annual  rent  now  paid 
for  an  armory  would  very  nearly  pay  the  interest  upon  the 
money  necessary  for  this  purpose.  Proper  magazines  and  store 
rooms  would  be  secured  .to  the  state,  and  the  arms  and  ammu 
nition  be  not  only  saved  from  ruin,  but  kept  in  readiness  for 
immediate  use,  in  case  of  any  emergency.76 

The  experience  of  the  last  four  years  should  warn  us  that 
this  may  again  become  a  matter  of  vital  importance. 

Our  militia  law  disappoints  the  expectations  of  those  who 
framed  it,  and  entirely  fails  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  state. 
It  does  not  provide  us  with  a  single  regiment  of  efficient  state 
troops,  which  could  be  called  into  use  in  an  emergency.  I 
doubt  if  any  other  state  in  the  Union  is  so  entirely  defenceless. 
It  is  important  that  this  law  should  be  so  revised  and  amended 
as  to  give  us  a  thorough  militia  organization.77 

The  adjutant  general's  report  gives  in  detail  the  military 
operations  of  the  state  troops  during  the  past  year,  and  the 
support  given  to  the  general  government,  during  the  rebellion. 
During  the  past  year  the  state  has  furnished  9,940  volunteers 
and  2,465  drafted  men,  making  a  total  of  12,405.  Seven  new 
regiments  only  were  organized  from  this  number,  the  balance 
having  been  assigned  to  fill  the  ranks  of  old  organizations  in 
the  field. 

The  state  has  furnished  under  all  calls  from  the  general 
government,  52  regiments  of  infantry,  four  regiments  and  one 
company  of  cavalry,  one  regiment  of  twelve  batteries  of  heavy 
artillery,  thirteen  batteries  of  light  artillery,  one  company  of 


76  The  report  of  the  Quartermaster-General  is  printed  in  Wis.  Mess, 
and  Docs.,  1866,  ii,  pp.  1671  ff.    The  Legislature  made'  no  provision  for 
the  erection   of  an  arsenal,  and  the  military  property  of  the  State 
remained  stored  in  the  attic  and  vacant  rooms  of  the  capitol. — ED. 

77  Two  amendments  to  the  militia  law  of  the  State  were  passed  dur 
ing  the  session  of  1866;  they  were,  ho*wever,  designed  only  to  reduce 
the  expense  of  militia  organization.    See  Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1866,  chaps.. 
15,  31.— ED. 

[275] 


GOVERNOR  FAIRCHILD  [l866~ 

sharpshooters,  and  three  brigade  bands,  besides  recruits  for  the 
navy  and  United  States  organizations,  numbering  in  all  91,379, 
of  which  number  79,934  were  volunteers,  11,445  drafted  men 
and  substitutes. 

The  total  quota  of  the  state  under  all  calls  during  the  war 
is  90,116. 

In  the  settlement  of  the  accounts  with  the  general  govern 
ment,  the  state  stands  credited  with  1,263  men,  as  an  excess 
over  all  calls,  a  gratifying  evidence  of  the  devoted  patriotism 
of  the  people  of  Wisconsin. 

The  total  military  service  from  the  state  has  been  about 
equal  to  one  in  every  nine  of  the  entire  population,  or  one  in 
every  five  of  the  entire  male  population,  and  more  than  one  from 
every  two  voters  of  the  state. 

The  losses  by  deaths  alone,  omitting  all  other  casualties,  are 
10,752,  or  about  one  in  every  eight  in  the  service. 

Immediately  after  the  surrender  of  the  rebel  armies,  measures 
were  taken  by  the  general  government  with  commendable 
promptness,  for  disbanding  the  volunteer  union  forces,  and 
orders  were  issued  directing  the  muster  out  of  all  volunteers 
whose  term  of  service  expired  on  or  before  October  1st.  My 
predecessor,  ever  mindful  of  the  wants  of  those  who  had  gone 
from  our  state,  urgently  requested  that  the  provisions  of  that 
order  might  extend  to  all  Wisconsin  troops,  that  they  might  re 
turn  to  their  homes  to  render  the  necessary  assistance  required 
to  gather  the  crops  and  for  other  needed  labor,  which  request 
has  been  complied  with  as  far  as  the  exigencies  of  the  service 
would  permit.  There  remains  in  the  service  at  this  date  only 
the  4th  cavalry,  one  battalion  of  four  companies  of  the  9th 
Infantry,  the  35th  infantry,  six  companies  of  the  48th  regi- 
-ment  infantry,  and  the  50th  regiment  infantry.  All  other  or 
ganizations  have  been  mustered  out  and  returned  to  their  homes. 

BOUNTIES 

The  men  who  enlisted  in  the  United  States  Army  during  the 
early  part  of  the  war  did  not  receive  the  same  bounties  from 

!   [276] 


l866J  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

the  government  which  have  been  paid  to  those  who  entered  the 
service  at  a  late  date. 

They  were  none  the  less  patriotic;  their  service  was  not  less 
hazardous  and  severe  than  those  who  have  been  better  paid, 
and  they  have  the  right  to  expect  that  you  will  do  whatever 
you  can  to  influence  the  general  government  to  do  them  jus 
tice,  by  giving  them  bounties  equal  to  those  paid  to  others  who 
enlisted  at  a  later  date. 

All  who  have  periled  their  lives  in  the  defense  of  our  coun 
try,  deserve  to  be  dealt  with  alike,  and  I  am  sure  that  you  will 
esteem  it  a  pleasure,  as  well  as  your  duty,  to  give  them  the 
influence  of  your  action.78 

In  this  connection,  let  me  suggest  that  a  bureau  be  estab 
lished  for  the  collection  of  back  pay,  bounties  and  pensions,  for 
soldiers  who  have  been  in  "Wisconsin  regiments,  and  for  their 
families;  connected  with  which  there  should  also  be  established 
a  system  of  claim  agencies  throughout  the  state,  with  a  branch 
agency  at  Washington,  these  agents  to  report  to  the  chief 
of  the  bureau  at  our  capitol,  which  should  be  under  the  direc 
tion  of  some  one  of  the  state  departments.  Bounties  and  back 
pay,  in  many  cases,  go  to  the  representatives  of  deceased  sol 
diers.  Pensions  always  go  to  the  disabled  and  dependent. 
Those  to  whom  they  are  paid  are  reduced  to  this  dependence 
through  no  fault  of  their  own.  They  would  willingly  earn  their 
own  living  and  dispense  with  all  aid  from  the  government  were 
they  able  to  do  so.  The  sums  they  are  to  receive  are  small  at 
best,  and  it  seems  just  that  the  state  should  bear  the  expense 
of  collecting  them.  The  plan  I  have  suggested  has  been  tried 
in  one  of  our  sister  states,  and  has  been  found  eminently  suc 
cessful.79 


78  A  memorial  urging  equalization  of  soldiers'  bounties  was  pre 
pared  and  presented  to  Congress,  but  had  no  effect. — ED. 

7*  A  bill  embodying  the  recommendations  of  the  Governor  passed  the 
Assembly,  but  it  vr&a  rejected  in  the  Senate. — ED. 

[277]  t 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [1866- 


SOLDIERS'   ORPHANS 

There  was  issued  by  the  secretary  of  state  in  September,  1865, 
a  circular  letter  to  the  town  and  city  clerks  throughout  the 
state,  asking  those  officers  to  inform  the  state  department  of 
the  number  of  children  of  deceased  Wisconsin  soldiers  in  their 
respective  towns.  367  clerks  only  have  responded,  reporting 
2,874  such  children;  an  average  of  nearly  eight  to  each  town. 
If  the  average  is  the  same  in  the  towns  from  which  no  reports 
have  been  received,  there  are  not  less  than  6,000  such  children 
in  the  whole  state  under  fifteen  years  of  age.  Of  those  re 
ported,  the  ages  of  791  are  not  given,  1,546  are  between  one 
and  ten  years  of  age,  517  are  between  ten  and  fourteen  years 
of  age,  20  were  in  the  county  poor  houses,  87  have  neither 
father  or  mother  living. 

The  fathers  of  these  children  have  laid  down  their  lives  while 
battling  for  the  preservation  of  our  country.  They  have  died, 
that  we  might  live  to  reap  the  rich  harvest  of  national  pros 
perity,  secured  to  us  as  the  result  of  that  contest,  in  which  they 
bore  so  honorable  a  part. 

They  are  the  children  of  the  state,  and,  as  such,  are  entitled 
to  its  fostering  care  and  protection. 

The  necessity  of  providing  a  suitable  asylum  for  such  of  these 
orphans  as  require  the  protection  of  the  state,  has  been  appre 
ciated  by  our  people,  who  have  contributed  generously  for  that 
purpose.  I  call  your  attention  to  the  accompanying  communi 
cation,*  and  earnestly  recomm'end  that  the  proposition  of  the 


*OFFICE  OF  SOLDIERS'  ORPHANS'  HOME, 

MADISON,  Wis.,  Jan.  4,  1866. 
His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  Wisconsin: 

SIB: — In  behalf  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Soldiers'  Orphans' 
Home,  I  have  the*  honor  to  submit  the  following  information: 

The  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  was  projected  by  Mrs.  C.  A.  P. 
Harvey,  who  conceived  the  idea  of  converting  the  well  known  Harvey 
TT.  S.  A.  General  Hospital  into  a  home  for  the  class  of  children  its  name 
indicates. 

This  lady  obtained  from  Messrs.  Marshall  &  Ilsley  a  proposition  to 
sell  the  property  at  the  price  of  $10,000,  provided,  that  the  General 

[278] 


l866J  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

executive  committee  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Harvey  Soldiers' 
Orphans'  Home  be  adopted  by  the  state  as  one  of  its  benevo 
lent  institutions.80 

/ 

In  the  struggle  just  closed,  Wisconsin's  record  stands  among 
the  brightest.  When  the  first  faint  echoes  of  the  distant  guns 
at  Sumter  sounded  in  our  ears,  her  sons  flew  to  arms.  A 
young  and  peaceful  state,  unused  to  war,  almost  without  a 
militia  organization,  almost  without  the  men  fitted  to  lead  her 


Government  would  donate  its  share*  of  the  buildings  and  improvements 
made  thereon  (at  a  cost  of  about  $12,000),  and  provided  also,  that  it 
should  be  fitted  up  and  furnished  in  readiness  for  the  orphans  of 
soldiers  from  Wisconsin  who  have  died  in  the  service  during  the  late 
rebellion — such  fitting  up  and  furnishing  to  be  done  by  private  con 
tributions,  and  then,  as  a  whole,  donated  to  the  State,  in  which  the 
title  should  be  vested,  all  with  a  view  to  its  permanent  establishment 
under  the  auspices  of  the  state,  to  be  classed  with-  its  other  benevolent 
and  charitable  institutions. 

This  was  the  ground-work  upon  which  Mrs.  Harvey  made  personal 
application  to  the  authorities  at  Washington,  and  obtaine'd,  gratuitously, 
the  interest  of  the  government.  The  plan  met  the  hearty  approval  of 
the  Secretary  of  War,  and  by  his  order  the  possession  was  given  to 
Mrs.  H.,  subject  to  the  conditions  of  Messrs.  Marshall  &  Illsley's  propo 
sition. 

Under  such  favorable  circumstances  the  work  was  undertaken  by  the 
temporary  organization  of  a  Board  of  Trustees,  with  necessary  officers, 
who  have,  in  conjunction  with  the  philanthropic  projector,  obtained 
private  subscriptions  to  the  amount  of  $12,250,  to  this  date?.  The  neces 
sary  refitting  and  furnishing  has  been  done  at  a  cost,  thus  far,  of  about 
$14,500,  and  the  "Home"  is  now  ready  to  admit  applicants  from  all 
parts  of  the  state.  By  the  accompanying  circulars,  etc.,  the  details  will 
be  more  fully  understood.  Blank  applications  (see  form)  have*  been 
furnished  to  the  Clerks  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  for  distribution  to 
the  towns,  upon  the  return  of  which,  it  is  intended  to  apportion  the  ad 
mission  equitably  throughout  the  State.  The  trustees  will  be  pleased 
to  afford  such  other  information  as  may  be  desired  upon  application 
to  the  undersigned. 

JAMES  T.  LEWIS, 

President. 

D.  WoBTHiNGTOs1,  Secretary. 

so  The  Harvey  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  was  projected  by  Mrs.  Cor 
delia  A.  P.  Harvey,  concerning  whom  see  ante,  p.  213,  note  46.  The 
war  being  over,  she  now  proposed  to  transform  the  Harvey  U.  S.  Gen 
eral  Hospital  at  Madison  into  a  soldiers'  orphans'  home.  She  had 
already  secured  from  the  Federal  government  a  cession  of  Its  title 

[279] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l866~ 

few  battalions,  she  pressed  to  the  front  with  her  offering  of 
men ;  and  from  the  first  skirmish  in  Virginia  to  the  last  struggle 
in  North  Carolina,  her  banners  have  been  displayed  amid  the 
smoke  of  every  battle,  her  regiments  have  shared  the  fatigues 
and  dangers  of  every  important  expedition.  When  the  thunder 
of  artillery  "rocked  like  a  cradle  land  and  sea";  when  the 
shrieks  of  the  wounded  and  the  moans  of  the  dying  came  borne 
to  our  ears  from  scores  of  battle-fields;  when  our  streets  were 
filled  with  pale  and  wounded  men;  when  there  were  defeats  as 
well  as  victories;  when  traitors  grew  confident  and  patriots 
grew  anxious,  still  her  men,  young  and  old,  pressed  forward 
to  the  conflict.  They  shrank  not  from  danger — they  never 
doubted  of  success. 

When  there  was  mourning  in  so  many  of  our  homes,  when 
its  sad  emblems  were  everywhere  upon  our  streets  and  in  our 
churches,  when  harassing  anxiety  for  the  danger  of  those  they 
loved,  filled  so  many  hearts,  and  made  pale  so  many  faces,  still 
mothers  sent  forth  other  sons,  and  other  loving  hearts  bled 
fresh  without  a  murmur. 

The  plow  stood  almost  idle  in  the  furrow  for  want  of  hands 
to  guide  it;  the  grain  grew  over  ripe,  and  rotted  on  the  stalk 
xor  want  of  hands  to  gather  it;  women  toiled  where  men  were 
wont  to  work,  and  yet  our  country's  calls  were  answered. 

In  the  hour  of  her  greatest  danger,  Wisconsin's  sons  and 
daughters  listened  only  to  her  voice.  I  thank  God  that  this 
was  so.  To  protect  the  state  from  danger  is  always  the  highest 
duty  of  the  citizen.  With  us  it  was  a  solemn  duty.  Not  our 


to  the  buildings,  and  was  requesting  the  Wisconsin  Legislature  for 
an  appropriation  of  $10,000  with  which  to  purchase  the  necessary 
grounds.  The  Legislature  not  only  made  the  appropriation,  but  ac 
cepted  the  Home  as  one  of  its  benevolent  institutions.  Thereafter  it 
provided  each  year  for  about  three  hundred  soldiers'  orphans.  The 
act  incorporating  the  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  is  Wis.  Gen.  Laws, 
1866,  chap.  39.  See  also  post,  p.  301,  note  98,  and  Hum,  Wisconsin 
Women  in  the  War,  pp.  144-147. — ED. 

[280] 


l866J  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

own  national  life  alone,  but  the  cause  of  freedom,  and  the  suc 
cess  of  free  institutions  throughout  the  world  depended  upon! 
our  arms.  If  we  failed,  these  failed  with  us.  If  we  failed,  the 
lamp  of  liberty  went  out  forever,  and  left  the  world  in  darkness. 
That  we  did  not  fail  is  indeed  a  cause  of  great  rejoicing.  That 
the  cause  of  freedom  triumphed  brings  joy  to  all  the  world. 
Yet  for  us  to-day,  it  is  a  chastened  triumph.  Tears  will  mingle 
with  our  joy,  sadness  with  our  pride. 

Thousands,  "the  flower  of  our  youth,  the  beauty  of  our 
Israel",  have  fallen  in  the  conflict;  dying  that  we  might  live. 
Proud  of  their  noble  sacrifice,  a  nation  mourns  their  loss. 

Let  it  be  your  care  that  those  whose  natural  guardians  they 
were,  shall  not  be  left  to  want. 

Let  it  be  our  privilege  to  see  that  suffering  and  neglect  be 
not  added  to  their  noble  grief.  Let  the  state  protect  their 
families  and  educate  their  children.  This  being  done,  those 
fallen  heroes  will  need  no  monument  other  than  their  nation '& 
greatness. 

For  all  who  nobly  bore  their  part  in  this  dread  conflict  a  na 
tion's  heart  beats  warm  with  gratitude.  Generation  after  genera 
tion  yet  to  come,  will  kneel  and  bless  them  for  it.  They  have 
saved  the  nation's  life. 

If  anything  can  be  added  to  their  proud  consciousness  of 
duty  nobly  done,  let  them  dwell  with  satisfaction  on  the  glori 
ous  future  they  have  made  possible  for  our  country,  when  a 
hundred  millions  of  free  and  happy  people  shall  owe  a  proud 
allegiance  to  that  flag  they  have  so  gallantly  defended. 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 

January  11,  1866. 


281  ] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  tl866~ 


SPECIAL  MESSAGES 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 
MADISON,  January  18th,  1866. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

I  herewith  transmit  for  your  consideration  a  communication 
from  A.  A.  Biggs,  Esq.,  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of 
the  Antietam  national  cemetery.  The  trustees  report  that  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  Wisconsin  soldiers  who  fell  in  the 
battle  of  Antietam,  are  buried  in  the  cemetery. 

They  ask  our  state  to  contribute  its  share  of  the  money  neces 
sary  to  a  completion  of  their  work. 

It  seems  proper  that  Wisconsin  should  honor  herself  by  hon 
oring  the  burial  place  of  her  gallant  sons.81 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 


MADISON,  January  25th,  1866. 
To  the  Legislature: 

I  herewith  transmit  the  report  of  W.  Y.  Selleck,  Esq.,  com 
missioner  for  Wisconsin  to  represent  this  state  in  the  board  of 
managers  of  the  soldiers'  national  cemetery,  at  Gettysburg,  Pa. 

I  am  informed  that  the  amount  of  money  now  asked  for 
from  this  state,  as  her  share  of  the  sum  necessary  for  the  com 
pletion  of  the  cemetery,  is  all  that  the  board  ever  intend  to 
ask  of  her.  After  the  action  already  taken  by  the  state  in  this 
matter,  good  faith  requires  that  the  contribution  should  be 
promptly  paid.82 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 


si  The  Legislature  took  no  action  regarding  this  matter. — ED. 

ss  The  report  of  Commissioner  Selleck  contained  a  request  for  a 
flnal  appropriation  of  $2,526  toward  the  project  of  the  Gettysburg 
National  Cemetery.  The  desired  sum  waff  granted  in  1867.— ED. 


[282 


I866J  NEGRO  SUFFRAGE 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  1,  1866. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly: 

I  herewith  transmit  the  report  of  the  surgeon  general  of  the 
state  requested  by  resolution  No.  68,  adopted  by  the  assembly.83 

Lucius  FAIECHILD. 


NEGRO  SUFFRAGE  ASSURED 

[Entry  in  Executive  Register:]  2d  April,  1866.  On  this 
day  the  Governor  issued  the  following 

Proclamation 

Whereas,  under  the  provisions  of  Chapter  137  of  the  Gen 
eral  Laws  of  1849  the  electors  of  this  state  did  in  that  year 
vote  upon  the  question  of  extension  of  the  right  of  suffrage  to 
the  Colored  men  residing  in  this  state ;  and 

Whereas  upon  the  canvass  of  the  returns  of  said  election  by 
the  state  board  of  Canvassers  it  appeared  that  there  were 
(5,265)  five  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty  five  votes  cast 
in  favor  of  and  (4,075)  four  thousand  and  seventy  five  votes 
cast  against  such  extension  of  the  right  of  suffrage  to  colored 
persons;  and 

Whereas,  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State  of  Wiscbnsin  did  on 
the  27th  day  of  March  A.  D.  1866  decide  that  by  that  vote  Sec 
tion  2  of  Chapter  137  of  the  General  Laws  of  1849  was  adopted. 

Therefore,  I,  Lucius  Fairchild,  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Wisconsin  do  proclaim,  for  the  information  of  the  people,  that 
the  said  section  2  of  Chapter  137  of  the  General  Laws  of  1849, 
as  follows, 

Section  2.  Every  male  colored  inhabitant  of  the  age  of  twenty  one 
years  or  upwards  who  shall  have  resided  in  this  state  for  one  year 


83  The  report,  which  may  be  found  in  Wis.  Assem.  Jour,,  1866,  p.  426, 
contains  a  discussion  of  operations  at  the  close  of  the  war. — ED. 

[283] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l867~ 

next  preceding  any  election  shall  be  deemed  a  qualified  elector  at  such 
election  and  eligible  to  hold  any  office  in  the  state,  subject  however  to 
the  regulations  contained  in  sections  2,  3,  4,  5,  and  6,  of  the  Constitu 
tion  of  this  State. 

is  by  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  aforesaid  declared  to 
be  a  valid  law  and  in  full  force.  It  is  with  great  satisfaction 
that  I  announce  this  decision  to  the  people,  for  by  it  the  high 
est  judicial  tribunal  of  the  State  has  declared  that  no  citizen 
of  this  State  is  now  debarred  the  privilege  of  the  ballot  box 
by  reason  of  the  color  of  his  skin.84 


fi*  The  question  of  negro  suffrage  was  submitted  to  the  people  of 
Wisconsin  in  1847,  together  with  their  first  State  Constitution.  It 
was  decisively  defeated  by  a  vote  of  14,615  to  7,664.  The  opposition 
came  from  the  mining  district  of  southwestern  Wisconsin,  where 
Southern  influence  predominated,  and  from  the  German  element  in 
the  State,  which  had  been  rendered  hostile  by  the  attempt  made  in 
the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1846  to  combine  the  question  of 
negro  suffrage  with  that  of  foreign  suffrage.  The  growth  of  free-soil 
sentiment  in  the  State,  however,  and  the  fact  that  a  large  proportion 
of  those  voting  on  the  Constitution  failed  to  vote  on  this  particular 
measure,  influenced  the  Legislature  of  1849  to  re-submit  the  question. 
It  accordingly  passed  a  law  (Wis.  Gen.  Laws,  1849,  chap.  137,  sec.  2), 
providing  that  negro  suffrage  should  be  in  force,  if,  at  the  next  election 
for  State  officers,  it  received  a  favorable  majority.  Little  interest  was 
shown  in  the  matter  at  this  election.  The  law  receiving  5,265  votes 
for,  to  4,075  against,  it  appeared  that  negro  suffrage  had  been 
accepted.  The  State  Board  of  Canvassers,  however,  decided  that  the 
proposition  had  been  defeated;  for  although  it  had  received  a  major 
ity  of  the  votes  cast  on  that  subject,  it  had  not  received  a  majority 
of  all  the  votes  cast  at  the  election.  This  decision  was  generally  ac 
ceptable  to  the  people  of  the  State,  and  held  for  seventeen  years.  The 
question  of  negro  suffrage  was  in  the  meantime  submitted  to  vote 
twice  more,  and  each  time  was  defeated.  In  1866,  however,  the  State 
Supreme  Court  handed  down  a  decision  in  the  case  of  Gillespie  vs. 
Palmer  et  al  (20  Wis.,  p.  572),  reversing  the  decision  of  the  State 
Board  of  Canvassers,  and  declaring  the  law  of  1849  in  full  force.  See 
Winslow,  Story  of  a  Great  Court,  pp.  246-249. — ED. 

[284] 


*866]  NEGRO  SUFFRAGE 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name 
and  caused  the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  be 
.affixed. 

Done  at  Madison,  this  2d  day  of  April,  A.  D.  1866. 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 


[285] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l866~ 


1867.    Twentieth  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  10- 

April  12 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  10,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

in  which  occurred  the  following  references  to  the  War  between 
the  States: 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly: 


WAK  EXPENSES 

The  receipts  of  the  war  fund  during  the  fiscal  year  were: 

Semi-annual  payment  on  state  bonds $12,604  31 

Refunded  items  319  67 

Loan  from  trust  funds » 135,000  00 


Total  $147,923  98 


Balance,  Sept.  30,  1865 $25,833  87 

The  disbursements  amounted  to  $172,166.17,  of  which  $153,- 
125.59  were  paid  to  soldiers'  families.  There  has  been  ex 
pended  from  the  soldiers'  relief  fund  the  sum  of  $390.82  dur 
ing  the  past  year.  As  no  further  necessity  exists  for  this  fund, 
authority  should  be  given  for  its  transfer  to  the  general  fund. 

Over  $4,000,000.00  have  been  expended  from  the  state  treas 
ury  for  war  purposes,  since  April,  1861.  At  least  $8,000,000.00 
have  been  expended  by  cities,  counties  and  towns  throughout 
the  state,  for  the  same  purpose,  making  a  total  expenditure  on 
account  of  the  war  of  about  $12,000,000.00,  which  does  not  in- 

[286! 


ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

elude  the  millions  contributed  by  our  citizens  for  charitable 
purposes  connected  with  the  war. 

Large  sums  have,  in  like  manner,  been  expended  by  each  of 
the  other  loyal  states.  In  my  judgment  justice  demands  the 
reimbursement,  by  the  general  government,  of  these  states  for 
such  expenditures,  to  the  end  that  the  people  of  the  whole 
country  may  bear  their  equitable  share  of  the  burden. 

I  respectfully  recommend  that,  by  memorial  to  Congress,  you 
ask  this  reimbursement.85 

No  payments  have  been  made  by  the  United  States  to  this 
state,  during  the  past  year,  in  liquidation  of  war  claims  here 
tofore  presented. 

Vouchers  for  the  expenditure  of  an  additional  sum  of  $33,- 
078.45  have  been  filed  with  the  auditing  officers  at  Washington. 
It  is  not  probable,  however,  that  any  further  sums  will  be 
realized  on  these  claims  until  Congress  directs  their  payment.8* 
******** 

The  wants  of  the  soldiers'  orphans  throughout  the  state,  made 
it  necessary  to  open  the  "Home"  before  provision  could  be 
made  for  its  organization  under  state  control.  It  was  -accord 
ingly  opened  January  1st,  1866,  the  necessary  means  being 
furnished,  in  great  part,  by  private  subscription.  The  amount 
received  from  such  subscriptions  was  $12,834.69.  The  amount 
expended  for  repairs,  furniture,  and  current  expenses  was  $21,- 
106.67.  The  $8,271.98  expended  in  excess  of  the  amount  re 
ceived  from  contributions,  was  generously  advanced  by  Samuel 
Marshall,  Esq.,  treasurer  under  the  temporary  organization. 
The  state  has  had  the  benefit  of  this  sum,  and  should  refund  it 


85  In  response  to  this  recommendation  the  Legislature  prepared  a 
joint  resolution  endorsing  the  plan  of  Congressman  James  G.  Elaine, 
whereby  each  loyal  State  should  receive  a  payment  of  $52  for  every 
soldier  which  it  had  furnished  for  the  three-year  term  of  service. 
The  matter  received  but  slight  consideration  in  Congress.  See  Wis. 
Gen.  Laws,  1867,  Jt.  Res.  no.  19. — ED. 

so  See  ante,  pp.  223,  224,  note  50. — ED. 

[287] 


GOVERNOR  FAIRCHILD 

io  Mr.  Marshall.  The  property  was  purchased  by  the  state 
for  $10,000.00,  and  the  Home  became  a  state  institution  March 
51st,  1866,  since  which  time  the  trustees  have  received  for  its 
.support  $25,000.00  from  the  state,  and  $404.75  from  other 
sources.  Amount  expended  during  the  fiscal  year  $17,460.20. 
Balance  on  hand  September  30th,  1866,  $7,944.07.  On  the  1st 
day  of  January,  1867,  298  children  had  been  received  into  the 
Home,  of  whom  57  have  been  removed  by  parents  and  guar 
dians,  and  5  have  died,  leaving  the  number  of  inmates  on  that 
day  236.  An  additional  building  is  needed  for  school  purposes, 
for  the  erection  of  which  an  appropriation  of  $10,000.00  is  asked 
by  the  trustees.  It  being  of  the  utmost  importance  that  every 
facility  should  be  given  for  the  education  of  these  children,  I 
recommend  that  this  appropriation  be  made.87  The  erection  of 
such  a  building,  in  addition  to  its  importance  to  the  educational 
interests  of  the  home,  will  materially  increase  its  capacity  for 
usefulness.  It  can  now  accommodate  300,  and  the  trustees  con 
fidently  expect  that  by  April  next  it  will  be  full.  Should  this 
recommendation  receive  your  concurrence,  an  additional  ward 
will  be  made  of  the  room  occupied  by  the  school,  thereby  pro 
viding  for  at  least  fifty  more.  It  is  thought  that  the  Home  will 
then  accommodate  all  of  the  really  destitute  soldiers7  orphans 
in  the  state  who  will  ever  apply  for  admission.  The  trustees 
also  ask  an  appropriation  of  $40,000.00  for  current  expenses 
this  year. 

No  state  in  the  Union  has  made  better  provision  for  the  care 
and  maintenance  of  the  orphans  of  its  soldiers,  than  has  Wis 
consin.  What  has  been  thus  nobly  begun  must  be  generously 
continued.  These  children,  to  whom  we  owe  so  much,  cannot 
be  the  objects  of  charity  from  the  state.  They  are  the  beloved 
wards  of  the  state,  and  when  it  provides  for  them  a  home  and 
an  education,  it  pays  but  little  of  the  debt  it  owes  them.  Noth- 


87  The  Legislature  made  two  appropriations,  aggregating  $40,000,  for 
the  current  expenses  of  the  institution.  The  appropriation  for  a  school 
building  was  delayed  until  the  next  year. — ED. 

[288] 


ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

ing  should  be  left  undone  which  will  contribute  to  their  present 
happiness  and  future  success.  They  have  thus  far  progressed 
in  their  studies  with  commendable  rapidity,  and  evince  a  zeal 
which  proves  their  appreciation  of  the  advantages  which  you 
are  extending  to  them.  I  am  confident  that  the  institution  has 
been  ably  managed  in  all  its  departments,  and  that  the  children 
have  received  that  parental  care  which  belongs  to  them.  I 
need  not  commend  them  to  your  care,  for  each  one  of  them,  I 
know,  has  a  place  in  your  hearts. 


MILITARY 

During  the  past  year  all  Wisconsin  volunteer  soldiers  have 
been  mustered  out  and  discharged  from  the  United  States  serv 
ice,  and  have  returned  to  peaceful  avocations,  enjoying  with 
their  comrades  the  proud  consciousness  that  their  duty  to  their 
country  has  been  performed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  reflect 
great  credit  upon  the  nation,  the  state,  and  themselves.  The 
glorious  record  of  her  soldiers  has  made  Wisconsin  honored 
among  the  sisterhood  of  states.  We  can  never  forget  the  serv 
ices  of  these  gallant  men,  and  should  never  hesitate  to  do  them 
honor.  To  testify  in  part  the  esteem  in  which  the  people  hold 
the  rank  and  file  of  their  army,  I  am  promoting  by  brevet  for 
conspicuous  gallantry  on  specified  occasions,  those  enlisted  men 
who  are  properly  recommended  by  comrades  personally  cog 
nizant  of  the  facts.  By  a  general  system  of  brevets,  the  na 
tional  government  has  precluded  the  state  from  thus  reward 
ing  its  officers,  and  to  extend  such  commissions  to  the  tens  of 
thousands  who  served  long  and  faithfully  in  the  ranks  would, 
by  the  number  required,  destroy  their  value.  I  have  therefore 
thought  it  necessary  to  confine  these  compliments  to  those  to 
whom  fortunate  circumstances  gave  opportunity  for  the  display 
of  distinguished  gallantry. 

I  again  call  attention  to  the  unsatisfactory  condition  of  the 
state  militia.  The  law  should  be  so  amended  as  to  provide  the 
19  [  289  ] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [1867- 

state  with  at  least  ten  companies  of  thoroughly  organized  troops. 
The  state  should  not  be  allowed  to  remain  longer  entirely  de 
fenseless.  You  are  referred  to  the  report  of  the  Adjutant 
General  for  valuable  suggestions  upon  this  subject.88 


NATIONAL   CEMETERIES 

On  the  battle  fields  of  Gettysburg  and  Antietam,  beautiful 
cemeteries  have  been  prepared  into"  which  the  remains  of  the 
Union  dead  have  been  gathered.  The  expense  of  thus  remov 
ing  from  the  neighboring  fields  where  they  fell,  to  their  last 
resting  place,  the  remains  of  our  heroes,  of  erecting  suitable 
monuments  to  their  memory,  and  of  inclosing  and  ornamenting 
the  grounds,  is  to  be  borne  by  each  loyal  state  in  proportion  to 
the  number  of  its  sons  there  buried. 

There  is  still  unpaid  of  the  sum  equitably  due  from  Wiscon 
sin  to  the  Gettysburg  association  $2,526.36,  and  to  the  An 
tietam  association  $3,344.88.  These  sums  will,  it  is  estimated, 
cover  our  proportion  of  the  entire  expense  of  fully  completing 
the  cemeteries.89 

We  honor  ourselves  by  honoring  those  who  fell  in  our  de 
fense,  and  should  deem  it  a  privilege  to  do  our  full  share  in 
such  a  work. 

AMENDMENT  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 

I  herewith  transmit  for  your  consideration  an  attested  copy 
of  a  resolution  of  Congress,  proposing  to  the  legislatures  of 
the  several  states,  a  fourteenth  article  to  the  Constitution  of 
the  United  States.  This  resolution  has  for  many  months  been 


ss  The  Adjutant-General's  report  is  printed  in  Wis.  Mess,  and  Does., 
1867,  ii,  p.  687  ff.  The  Legislature  took  no  action  on  the  Governor's 
recommendations. — ED. 

8»  The  Legislature  made  the  desired  appropriation  to  the  Gettysburg 
association.  The  Antietam  appropriation  was  not  acted  on. — ED. 

[290] 


l86/7]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

before  the  people,  and  during  that  time  its  several  sections  have 
been  made  the  subject  of  earnest  discussion.  The  people  of 
this  state  are  thoroughly  familiar  with  its  provisions,  and  with 
a  full  understanding  of  them'  in  all  their  bearings,  have  by  an 
overwhelming  majority  declared  in  favor  of  its  immediate  rati 
fication.  It  has  formed  the  basis  of  the  campaigns,  and  been 
made  the  issue  of  the  late  elections,  in  every  northern  state, 
and  most  of  you  are  here  to-day,  because  your  constituents  knew 
that  you  deemed  this  amendment  just  and  necessary.*0  The 
people  of  the  other  loyal  states  have  declared  with  like  emphasis 
in  its  favor.  I  need  therefore  urge  upon  you  no  extended  argu 
ment  in  support  of  it.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  this  amend 
ment  will  unquestionably  be  ratified  by  the  legislatures  of  more 
than  two-thirds  of  the  states  whose  practical  relations  to  the 
Union  have  never  been  suspended,  it  is  the  deliberate  voice  of 
the  loyal  masses,  that  before  those  who  were  so  lately  seeking 
the  nation 's  life  shall  be  reclothed  with  the  political  rights  which 
they  forfeited  by  their  treason,  they  must  assent  to  the  pro 
posed  amendment  with  all  its  guarantees,  securing  to  all  men 
equality  before  the  law;  a  representation  based  upon  popula 
tion,  but  excluding  from  computation  all  classes  who  are  de 
prived  of  political  privileges,  except  for  participation  in  rebel 
lion  or  other  crimes;  the  disqualification  for  office  of  all  who 
added  to  the  crime  of  treason  that  of  perjury,  until  such  dis 
qualification  is  removed  by  Congress;  the  eternal  repudiation, 
state  and  national,  of  the  rebel  debt,  with  all  claims  for  loss 
and  emancipation  of  slaves;  and  the  sanctity  of  the  Federal 
debt,  placing  forever  beyond  the  reach  of  traitor  and  demagogue, 
that  due  to  our  disabled  soldiers,  and  to  the  widows  and  orphans 
of  our  fallen.  This  declaration  of  the  people  has  been  made 
temperately  through  the  ballot-box,  at  a  peaceful  election,  but 
it  has  been  made  with  a  firm  voice,  not  to  be  misunderstood,  and 


PO  The  Fourteenth  Amendment  to  the  Federal  Constitution  wai 
ratified  In  the  Wisconsin  Assembly  by  a  vote  of  69  to  10;  In  the 
Senate  by  22  to  10. — ED. 

[291] 


GOVERNOR  FAIRCHILD 

from  it  there  lies  no  appeal.  This  demand  is  not  made  with  a 
desire  to  appropriate  to  ourselves  undue  political  power,  or  to 
oppress  or  humiliate  the  Southern  people.  It  is  made  because 
in  view  of  the  terrible  events  of  the  past  five  years,  we  deem 
these  guarantees  necessary  to  the  life  of  the  nation,  and  we 
insist  that  those  who  saved  that  life  have  an  undeniable  right 
to  demand  all  guarantees  essential  to  its  future  preservation. 
The  course  pursued  by  the  North  ought  long  since  to  have 
convinced  all  men  who  are  willing  to  be  convinced,  that  we 
heartily  desire  to  live  with  the  Southern  people  upon  terms  of 
brotherly  love,  all  laboring  together  for  the  good  of  our  common 
country,  and  that  we  desire  to  enforce  no  terms  which  can  be 
considered  harsh  or  unkind.  We  have  shown  no  vindictiveness 
in  the  past.  We  will  cherish  no  hatred  in  the  future.  While  the 
war  was  still  raging,  they  were  again  and  again  implored  to 
desist,  with  the  assurance  of  pardon  and  restoration  of  the 
rights  which  they  had  forfeited.  With  the  damnable  and  re 
volting  scenes  of  Andersonville,  Belle  Isle,  Salisbury  and  Fort 
Pillow,  they  answered  our  entreaties.  And  later,  when  we  had 
wrested  from  them  their  arms  and  paroled  their  armies,  we,  who 
had  suffered  outrage  and  insult  at  their  hands,  who  had  seen  our 
flag  fired  upon  and  dragged  in  the  dust,  our  brothers  killed  by 
hundreds  of  thousands,  and  our  land  filled  with  widows,  orphans 
and  disabled  men,  we  upon  whom  they  had  heaped  a  monster 
debt,  still  offered  them  terms.  With  the  massacres  of  Memphis 
and  New  Orleans  before  our  eyes,  and  with  the  blood  of  thous 
ands  of  Union  men — murdered  because  they  were  Union  men — 
crying  aloud  to  us  for  vengeance,  we  continued  to  offer  them 
full  restoration  of  political  rights  upon  the  terms  embodied  in 
this  resolution.  It  was  hoped  that  the  sober,  second  thought 
of  the  now  ruling  class  at  the  South  would  lead  to  the  acceptance 
in  good  faith  of  these  terms.  Events  have  proved  that  the  hope 
was  without  foundation.  They  have  been  rejected  so  far  as 
they  have  been  acted  upon,  except  by  the  people  of  Tennessee ; 
rejected,  too,  with  scorn  and  abuse  of  the  government,  and  with 
bitterest  denunciation  against  our  people. 

[292] 


ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

As  the  people  of  the  South  were  impelled  by  a  mysterious  but 
All-wise  Providence  to  rebel  against  the  government,  that  they 
might  perpetuate  in  their  midst  the  hideous  crime  of  human 
slavery,  and  thus  struck  the  blow  which  finally  set  free  all  who 
were  in  bondage  there,  so  now  that  same  Providence  impels 
them  to  force  the  people  of  the  North  to  do  that  which,  but  for 
their  desire  to  conciliate,  they  would  long  since  have  done — • 
their  whole  duty. 

There  is  a  time  when  "  mercy  to  the  criminal  is  cruelty  to  the 
state. "  Gentlemen,  that  time  has  come.  The  day  of  compromise 
has  passed,  and  passed  forever.  The  day  for  doing  that  which 
is  right  in  itself  has  come,  and  until  we  have  done  the  right, 
and  done  it  few  all  time,  we  have  shamefully  failed  in  our  duty, 
not  only  to  the  world  and  to  ourselves,  but  to  the  five  hundred 
thousand  brave  men  who  gave  their  lives  so  freely  that  liberty 
might  live.  In  my  opinion,  it  is  the  duty  of  Congress,  the  only 
remaining  hope  of  loyalty  and  justice  at  the  South,  to  provide 
for  the  future  establishment  of  local  governments  over  those 
portions  of  the  South  lately  in  rebellion,  which  have  refused 
their  assent  to  this  amendment,  such  governments  to  be  based 
upon  impartial,  loyal  suffrage.  In  this  I  advocate  no  disregard 
of  the  Constitution.  I  yield  to  no  man  in  my  reverence  for  that 
instrument.  The  fact  that  illegal  local  governments  have  been 
in  operation  there  since  the  cessation  of  hostilities,  forms  no  bar 
to  the  right  of  Congress  to  establish  legal  ones.  Let  Congress 
act,  and  the  loyal  people  will  sustain  it,  be  the  consequences 
what  they  may.  No  other  course  will  settle  our  troubles  beyond 
the  possibility  of  a  recurrence,  and  insure  justice  to  the  Union 
ists  of  that  section.  The  safety  of  our  country  and  the  fulfill 
ment  of  our  pledges  alike  demand  it.  "We  have  pledged  our 
honor  that  we  would  stand  by  and  protect  those  who  were  loyal 
at  the  South  during  the  struggle  just  ended.  It  were  better  to 
have  failed  in  the  contest,  than  now  to  coldly  turn  our  backs 
upon  those  who  were  "faithful  found  among  the  faithless.*' 
We  should  deserve  to  be  wiped  out  from  among  the  nations  of 
the  earth,  did  we  do  this. 

[293] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l867~ 

I  am  firm  in  the  faith  that  with  proper  action  on  the  part  of 
Congress,  the  day  of  settlement  is  at  hand.  Let  the  people  stand 
fast  in  the  position  they  have  taken,  and  it  must  soon  come. 
Would  that  my  voice  could  reach  all  loyal  men  in  the  land,  to 
tell  them  to  be  of  good  cheer,  for  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when 
our  beloved  country  will  be,  in  all  its  sections,  a  land  of  freedom 
in  fact  as  well  as  in  name ;  free  in  speech,  free  in  press,  and  free 
in  ballot.  May  God  speed  the  coming  of  that  happy  day ! 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 

EXECUTIVE  CHAMBER,  MADISON,  January  10th,  1867. 


[  294  J 


I8681  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 


1868.    Twenty-first  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January  9- 

April  11 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention 
on  January  9,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL  MESSAGE 
in  which  he  referred  as  follows  to  the  war  between  the  States : 

To  the  Legislature: 
******** 

It  is  estimated  that  not  more  than  $10,000  remain  due  to 
soldiers  on  account  of  extra  pay.  The  war  fund,  as  a  distinct 
fund,  is  no  longer  necessary.  I  therefore  concur  in  the  recom 
mendation  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  that  it  be  closed  and  all 
claims  growing  out  of  the  war  be  hereafter  paid  from  the  gen 
eral  fund.91 

Persistent  efforts  have  been  made  to  secure  a  final  settlement 
of  the  claim  of  the  state  against  the  general  government  on 
account  of  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  the  war,  but 
up  to  this  time  such  settlement  has  not  been  effected.  In  addi 
tion  to  the  sums  heretofore  paid  $131,437.24  have  been  allowed 
the  state  during  the  past  year,  leaving  unadjusted  accounts  to 
the  amount  of  about  $248,000.00.  It  is  possible  that  a  portion 
of  the  claim  will  finally  be  disallowed  by  the  treasury  depart 
ment  under  the  strict  rules  which  govern  in  the  settlement  of 
such  accounts.  Should  this  prove  true,  recourse  must  be  had  to 
Congress  for  relief.  The  claim  is  in  every  respect  a  just  and 
correct  one,  and  I  do  not  doubt  its  ultimate  liquidation  by  the 


•iThe  report  of  the  Secretary  of  State  on  the  war  fund  may  be 
found  in  Wis.  Mess  and  Docs.,  1868,  pp.  8,  9.  His  recommendation  was 
adopted  in  Gen.  Laws,  1868,  chap.  148. — ED. 

[295] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l868~ 

government,  in  the  defense  and  support  of  which  Wisconsin 
made  the  disbursements  which  form  its  basis.92 

There  was  expended  from  the  Governor's  contingent  fund 
during  the  past  year  $1,163.17,  leaving  a  balance  of  $2,310.74 
in  the  fund. 

Of  the  appropriation  of  $500. 00>  made  last  winter  for  the 
support,  at  the  Chicago  charitable  eye  and  ear  infirmary,  of 
indigent  Wisconsin  soldiers  suffering  from  diseases  of  the  eye  or 
ear,  contracted  while  in  the  service,  there  has  been  expended 
$391.04. 
******** 

The  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  is  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity, 
an  average  of  280  children  being  present.  Frequent  applica 
tions  for  admission  are  made  which  must  be  denied.  It  is  the 
opinion  of  the  trustees,  that  if  a  school  building  should  be 
erected,  all  who  will  desire  admission  can  be  accommodated. 
The  state  should  furnish  a  home  for  all  such  children  as  need 
it,  and  I  trust  such  an  arrangement  as  will  insure  the  desired  re 
sult  will  be  promptly  made.  Left  by  the  patriotism  of  their 
fathers  in  the  defence  of  our  common  country,  with  none  to  care 
for  and  protect  them,  it  is  the  duty,  and  a  pleasant  one,  of  the 
state  to  assum'e  their  guardianship:  and  until  the  people  cease 
to  hold  in  grateful  recollection  the  gallant  deeds  of  those  who 
died  maintaining  our  nation's  honor,  they  will  gladly  provide 
these  helpless  orphans  with  homes  and  education.  I  need  not 
commend  them  to  your  kindly  care.93 


MILITIA 

There  has  been  no  material  change  in  the  state  militia  during 
the  past  year.    A  few  independent  companies  have  been  organ- 


92  See  ante,  pp.  223,  224,  note  50. — ED. 

»3The  Legislature  appropriated  $12,000  for  the  erection  of  a  school 
building,  and  $40,000  for  current  expenses. — ED. 

[296] 


l868]  '.V,   ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

ized  and  manifest  considerable  spirit.  Our  militia  law  is  so 
defective  as  to  be  nearly  a  dead  letter,  but  until  Congress  de 
cides  whether  or  not  it  will  provide  for  a  national  militia  sys 
tem,  it  is  best  to  defer  action  upon  the  subject.  The  Adjutant 
General  has  published  in  his  report  as  complete  a  list  as  is  now 
possible  of  the  names  and  places  of  burial  of  Wisconsin  soldiers 
who  died  in  the  service.94  This  will  give  important  information 
to  the  friends  of  the  deceased  soldiers,  and  will  very  materially 
lessen  the  correspondence  of  the  office.  "Within  three  months 
the  records  of  the  Adjutant  General's  office  will  be  completed, 
and  the  necessity  of  supporting  it,  as  a  distinct  office,  no  longer 
existing,  it  will  then  be  dispensed  with,  and  the  records  will  be 
placed  in  charge  of  the  Governor's  secretary. 
******** 

The  work  of  reconstruction  is  progressing  as  rapidly  and  as 
satisfactorily  as  could  be  expected  when  we  consider  that  a 
great  majority  of  those  who  were  leading  traitors  are  opposing 
the  pacification  of  the  country  upon  any  basis  which  will  not 
insure  to  them  full  control  of  the  states  lately  in  rebellion,  and 
place  under  subjection  to  them  the  Union  men  of  that  section.95 
Such  have  constantly  sought  since  the  cessation  of  hostilities 
to  save  from  the  ruins  of  their  crushed  confederacy  some  of  the 
pernicious  principles  upon  which  it  was  founded,  and  have 
seemed  resolved  to  accept  no  terms  which  the  government  might 
offer.  They  have  opposed,  and  still  bitterly  oppose,  all  schemes 
of  reconstruction  unless  of  their  own  dictation.  When  the  war 
was  ended,  and  the  paroled  armies  of  treason  had  returned  to 
their  homes,  the  people  of  the  North  had  a  right  to  expect  from 
them  obedience  to  and  acquiesence  in  the  laws  of  the  land.  In 
this  just  expectation  they  have  been  continually  disappointed. 

Those  who  sustained  this  Union  and  who  gave  to  its  support 
freely  of  their  blood  and  treasure,  have  some  rights  which 


»*  This  report  is  found  in  Wis.  Mess,  and  Docs.,  1868,  p.  470  ff. — ED. 
95  For  the  history  of  reconstruction  in  the  South,  see  Rhodes,  United 
States,  vi,  vii. — ED. 

[297] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  tl868~ 

traitors  are  bound  to  respect,  and  which  will  be  enforced.  They 
have  a  right  to  an  early  restoration  to  the  Union  of  the  states 
lately  in  rebellion  upon  a  basis  of  equal  and  exact  justice  to 
all  men.  They  have  a  right  to  demand  that  the  local  govern 
ments  of  those  states  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  men  who 
are  neither  forsworn  nor  unrepentant  of  their  treason;  that 
Union  men  of  every  grade  and  condition  shall  receive  that  pro 
tection  to  which  they  are  entitled,  and  without  which  this  gov 
ernment  would  be  but  a  stupendous  farce.  They  are  satisfied 
with  the  congressional  plan  of  reconstruction  now  being  carried 
out,  and  will  not  materially  change  it,  because  it  guarantees 
these  rights,  and  because  they  believe  its  main  features  essential 
to  the  future  safety  of  the  Republic.  The  principles  which 
underlie  it  cannot  be  successfully  opposed,  and  those  at  the 
South  who  are  so  bitterly  hostile  to  them'  are  proving  themselves 
entirely  unworthy  of  the  generous  forbearance  received  by  them 
at  the  hands  of  a  people  whom  they  have  so  deeply  injured. 
Nothing  is  demanded  in  a  spirit  of  anger  or  revenge.  Seeking 
the  safety  of  the  nation,  we  demand  only  what  is  deemed  es- 
sential*to  its  future  peace,  and  to  the  perpetuity  of  our  free 
institutions.  No  one  asks  the  permanent  disfranchisement  of 
any  class  of  people  at  the  South,  but  simply  that  those,  who  by 
their  position  and  education,  controlled  the  Southern  masses 
and  led  them  into  rebellion  against  the  government,  and  who 
are  responsible  for  all  the  precious  blood  which  has  been  shed, 
and  the  lives  which  have  been  sacrificed,  shall  not  be  permitted 
to  regain  their  former  political  power  until  they  indicate  by 
their  action  a  willingness  to  acquiesce  in  the  principles  which 
pledge  to  all  men  equality  before  the  law,  and  ample  protection 
in  the  enjoyment  of  all  the  rights  which  belong  to  men  and  citi 
zens.  Early  restoration  to  all  forfeited  privileges  is  within 
their  grasp.  Let  them,  embittered  no  longer  by  sectional  rancor 
and  defeated  partizanship,  join  hands  with  the  people  of  the 
North  in  redeeming  the  nation's  pledges,  and  in  placing  the 
Republic  upon  a  basis  of  justice  and  right  which  shall  endure 
through  the  coming  ages,  and  gladly  will  all  extend  to  them  the 

[298] 


i868]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

hand  of  friendly,  hearty  welcome.  Strong  in  the  consciousness 
of  being  right,  and  in  the  full  faith  that  ultimately  the  right 
must  and  will  prevail,  united  by  an  honest  devotion  to  the  best 
interests  of  the  entire  country,  and  unfaltering  in  the  holy  de 
termination  to  hand  down  to  posterity,  without  a  stain,  and 
stronger  than  ever  before,  the  government  which  the  Fathers 
gave  them,  the  Union  men  of  this  land,  North  and  South,  will 
stand  firm  and  undismayed  until  the  great  work  is  done,  and 
harmony  reigns  once  more  throughout  our  whole  domain. 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 
EXECUTIVE  CHAMBEB,  January  9th,  1868. 


DESERTERS 

EXECUTIVE  DEPAKTMENT, 

MADISON,  January  25th,  1868. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Assembly  of  Wisconsin: 

In  response  to  resolution  No.  31,  A,  requesting  me  to  furnish 
to  the  Assembly  copy  of  all  correspondence  had  with  the  Secre 
tary  of  "War  or  with  any  other  officer  or  department  of  the  Gen 
eral  Government  "in  regard  to  residents  of  this  state  who  have 
been  reported  as  deserters  from  the  United  States  Military 
Service,"  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  to  your  honor 
able  Body,  copy  of  letter  addressed  by  me  to  Gen'l.  U.  S.  Grant, 
Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim,  upon  the  subject  indicated,  with 
copy  of  endorsements  made  thereon  by  the  Department  at 
Washington.96 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 


»e  The  correspondence  related  to  "Wisconsin  soldiers  who  had  been 
reported  as  deserters  from  the  army  or  from  the  draft,  and  who  by 
Act  of  Congress  were  declared  to  have  forfeited  their  rights  of  citizen 
ship.  The  Governor  protested  that  the  list  contained  the  names  of 
many  Wisconsin  soldiers  who  had  served  honorably,  and  who  hiad 
been  reported  as  deserters  only  through  the  carelessness  and  neglect 
of  regimental  officers.  See  Wis.  Assem.  Jour.,  1868,  p.  158. — ED. 

[299] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [1869- 


1869.    Twenty-second  Annual  Legislative  Session,  January 

13-March  11 

The  two  Houses  of  the  Legislature  met  in  Joint  Convention  on 
January  14,  and  the  Governor  read  thereto  in  person  his 

ANNUAL   MESSAGE 

in  which  he  made  the  following  references  to  matters  growing 
out  of  the  War  between  the  States: 

To  the  Legislature: 

******** 

The  efforts  to  secure  a  final  settlement  of  the  claim  against 
the  Federal  government  on  account  of  expenses  incurred  in 
connection  with  the  war,  have  not  ceased.  Explanations  have 
been  made  answering  the  objections  of  the  auditing  oncers  at 
Washington,  so  far  as  is  now  possible,  and  it  is  confidently  ex 
pected  that  a  large  portion  of  the  claim  will  be  allowed  during 
this  year.07 
******** 

Upon  the  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  are  fixed  the  warm 
affections  of  those  who  loved  the  cause  for  which  our  army 
fought.  The  trustees  are  endeavoring  to  have  the  institution 
so  conducted  as  to  render  it  as  much  like  a  "home"  as  is 
possible,  and  will  spare  no  pains  in  that  direction.  By  the  re 
moval  of  the  school  to  the  new  building,  completed  last  month, 
the  capacity  of  the  institution  is  increased  to  300.  Contrary 
to  our  expectations  there  are  many  applications  for  admission 
on  file,  which,  for  want  of  room,  must  be  denied.  This  ought 
not  to  be.  No  orphan  of  a  Wisconsin  soldier  should  be  al 
lowed  to  suffer.  The  people  are  anxious  and  willing  to  expend 


97  See  ante,  pp.  223,  224,  note  50. — ED. 

[300] 


I869]  ANNUAL  MESSAGE 

any  sum  of  money  necessary  to  prevent  it,  feeling  that  in  so 
doing  they  are  paying  but  a  tithe  of  the  debt  due  to  the  chil 
dren  of  those  who  fell  while  defending  the  Union.  Arrange 
ments  should  be  made  immediately  for  the  care  and  education 
of  all  such  as  require  it.  There  was  appropriated  in  1868  for 
current  expenses,  and  payment  of  deficiency  $40,000.98 
##*####* 

It  is  a  source  of  satisfaction  that  the  mode  and  terms  of  re 
construction  of  the  states  lately  in  rebellion  have  been  so  wisely 
determined  upon  by  Congress  and  that  such  determination,  em 
bodied  in  the  laws  relating  thereto,  has  received  the  solemn 
sanction  of  the  people  at  the  ballot  box,  and  now  has  been  sup 
plied,  by  the  popular  voice,  the  only  element  wanting  to  the 
happy  consummation  of  reconstruction,  an  executive  ready  and 
willing  to  enforce  obedience  to  the  laws  in  all  sections,  and  se 
cure  to  every  person,  of  whatever  grade,  hue,  or  condition,  the 
rights  which  are  inseparable  from  freedom.  "We  may  now  con 
sider  the  most  important  issues  growing  out  of  the  rebellion  as 
substantially  settled.  There  is  every  warrant  for  the  hope  that 
the  people  of  the  South,  yielding  to  the  properly  expressed  will 
of  the  majority,  will  now,  and  henceforth,  render  a  complete 


»s  The  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  was  maintained  by  the  State  until 
the  autumn  of  1874,  when  it  was  closed  under  direction  of  "Wis.  Gen. 
Laws,  1874,  chap.  72,  and  the  buildings  turned  over  to  the  University 
of  Wisconsin  to  be  used  as  a  medical  college.  The  regents1  of  the 
University  decided,  however,  that  the  buildings  were  unsuited  to  the 
purposes'  of  a  medical  college,  and  in  1876  secured  authority  from  the 
Legislature  to  dispose  of  them.  The  orphans  in  the  institution  at 
the  time  when  it  was  closed  were  either  returned  to  their  guardians 
or  entered  private  homes.  An  allowance  of  $5  per  month  per  child 
was  granted  to  their  guardians  by  the  State,  until  they  should  attain 
the  age  of  fourteen. 

During  the  nine  years  of  its  existence,  the  Home  had  received  from 
the  State  a  total  of  $280,000.  It  had  maintained  a  total  of  683  or 
phans,  to  whom  it  had  furnished  the  opportunities  of  a  home  and  a 
common  school  education. — ED. 

[301] 


GOVERNOR   FAIRCHILD  [l869~ 

obedience  to  law,  and  that  persecution  of  freedmen,  that  mur 
der  and  social  ostracism  of  loyalists,  organized  rapine  and  law 
lessness  will  vanish  from  that  section  forever.  Should  we,  how 
ever,  be  disappointed  in  this  just  expectation,  should  the  spirit 
of  rebellion  and  passion  continue  to  show  itself,  we  may  rest 
assured  that  neither  sympathy  with  treason  nor  imbecility  will 
rule  in  the  executive  councils,  but,  that  the  entire  power  of  the 
nation  will  be  vigorously  used  to  vindicate  the  majesty  of  the 
nation's  laws.  Further  difficulty  we  would  avoid;  we  desire, 
and  will  have  perfect  peace,  and  if  the  Southern  men  will  meet 
us  in  that  spirit,  friendship  will  come  with  it.  Let  the  people 
of  the  South,  no  longer  falsely  regarding  us  as  their  enemies, 
leave  the  "lost  cause "  where  the  fate  of  battle  left  it,  let  them 
not  only  permit,  but  invite  immigration,  afford  protection  and 
encouragement  to  every  department  of  industry,  apply  them 
selves  assiduously  to  the  arts  of  peace,  and  speedily  repair  the 
ravages  of  war  by  developing  the  almost  boundless  resources 
of  their  beautiful  country.  Let  them  join  hands  with  us  of  the 
North,  in  brotherly  grasp,  banishing  all  prejudice  and  hatred, 
and  heartily  co-operate  with  us  in  the  noble  and  patriotic  en 
deavor  to  contribute  to  the  honor,  peace,  glory  and  welfare  of 
the  whole  of  our  common  country. 


*  * 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 


EXECUTIVE  CHAMBER,  January  14,  1869. 


FIFTEENTH  AMENDMENT 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT, 

MADISON,  March  5,  1869. 
To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature: 

I  have  the  honor  to  lay  before  your  honorable  body  here 
with,  a  copy  of  a  communication  this  day  received  at  this  de 
partment  from  the  Honorable  William  H.  Seward,  Secretary  of 
State  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a  certified  copy  of  "a 

[302] 


1869]  FIFTEENTH  AMENDMENT 

resolution  proposing  an  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States",  and  also  the  copy  of  the  resolution  therein  re 
ferred  to. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  transmit  the  same  thus  early  to  your 
Honorable  body  for  your  action  thereon,  and  I  trust  that  your 
ratification  of  this  most  proper  and  necessary  amendment  will 
be  so  prompt  and  decisive  as  to  fully  reflect  the  sentiments  of 
your  constituents,  the  people  of  Wisconsin." 

Lucius  FAIRCHILD. 


99  This  was  the  Fifteenth  Amendment  to  the  Federal  Constitution, 
extending  the  franchise  to  the  negro  race.  It  was  ratified  in  the  Assem 
bly  by  a  vote  of  62  to  29;  in  the  Senate,  by  15  to  11. — ED. 


303] 


INDEX 


ADAMS,  John,  cited,  237. 

Adams,  John  Quincy,  elected  president,  57;  cited,  234. 

Agriculture,  premiums  for,  30,  31;  in  1862,  154. 

Alabama,  resolution  from,  45. 

Alexander  III,  frees  serfs,  22. 

Alexandria  (Va.),  sanitary  agent  at,  243. 

Alban,  Col.  James  S.,  78,  95. 

Allen,  Col.  Benjamin,  78,  95. 

Allison,  William  B.,  155. 

Allotment  system,  described,  98,  99;  operation  of,  175,  176;  fund,  201,. 

222. 

Alma  (Wis.),  post-office  at,  108. 
Andersonville  prison,  292. 
Annapolis  (Md.),  sanitary  agent  at,  243. 
Antietam  National  Cemetery,  282,  290. 

Appomattox  Court  House   (Va.),  Lee  surrenders  at,  246-249. 
Arkansas,  resolution  from,  45. 
Arsenal,  recommendations  for,  100,  274. 

BAD  Ax  Volunteers,  organized,  73. 

Baker,  Capt.  Milo  M.,  73. 

Baltimore  (Md.),  Wisconsin  troops  at,  85;  sanitary  agent,  243. 

Barstow,  Gov.  William  A.,  2;  commands  cavalry,  95. 

Bartlett,  M.  D.,  sanitary  agent,  212,  214. 

Bashford,  Gov.  Coles,  2,  46. 

BATTLES: 

Bull  Run,  reverse  at,  135. 

Cedar  Mountain,  reverse  at,  135. 

Corinth,    Wisconsin  troops   at,   124. 

Falling  Waters,  Wisconsin  troops  at,  94,  257. 

Fort  Pillow,  153. 

Gainesville,  Wisconsin  troops  at,  258. 

20  [  305  ] 


INDEX 

BATTLES   (continue'd)  — 

Gettysburg,  Wisconsin  troops  at,  258. 

Harpers  Ferry,  reverse  at,  135. 

Island  No.  Ten,  153. 

Memphis,  153. 

Murfreesboro,  176. 

New  Orleans,  153. 

Port  Hudson,  153. 

Shiloh,   Wisconsin  troops  at,  90. 

Vicksburg,  153. 

Beardsley,  J.  W.,  Assembly  speaker,  80. 
Bell,  George,  108. 
Belle  Isle  (Va.),  prison  at,  292. 
Belleville   (Wis.),   troops  from,  73. 
Beloit  (Wis.),  troops  from,  50,  52. 
Belvidere   (Wis.),  inhabitant,  108. 
Berdan's  Sharpshooters,  Wisconsin  troops  in,  95;  volunteer  aid  for,  74, 

.75. 

Biggs,  A.  A.,  letter  from,  282. 
Black,  Thomas,  letter  from,  108. 
Elaine,  James  G.,  bounty  bill  of,  287. 
Bonds,  war.     See  Finances. 
Boston    (Mass.),   draft  in,  183. 
Bouck,  Capt.  Gabriel,  52. 

Bounties,  for    recruits,  159,  161,  187,  188,  202,  204,  246,  276,  277. 
Bowen,  Mrs.  Clara,  letter  from,  107. 
Brehl,  Sophie,  letter  from,  108. 
Britt,  — ,  127. 

Britton,  Capt.  William  B.,  73. 
Britt's  Landing  (Tenn.),  127,  129. 
Brodhead,  Edward  H.,  state  agent,  120. 
Brown,  John,  at  Harpers  Ferry,  25. 
Bryant,  Col.  George  E.,  94. 

Buchanan,   Pres.   James,   approves  amendment,    47. 
Buffalo  County  (Wis.),  108. 
Bull,  Miss  Frances,  marries,  258. 

CAIRO  (111.),  59,  90,  120;  Harvey  at,  128;  sanitary  agent,  243. 
Callis,   Capt.  John  B.,  73. 

[306] 


INDEX 

Camp  Randall  (Wis.),  named,  2;  troops  at,  82,  95;  prisoners  at,  165, 
166;  equipment,  65,  66,  274;  conditions  at,  180,  181. 

Camp  Sigel  (Wis.),  Wisconsin  troops  at,  95. 

Camp  Tredway  (Wis.),  Wisconsin  troops  at,  95. 

Camp  Utley   (Wis.),   Wisconsin  troops  at,  95. 

Camp  Wood  (Ky.),  Wisconsin  troops  at,  109. 

Camp  Wood  (Wis.),  Wisconsin  troops  at,  95. 

Carroll  College,  established,  1;  -graduate,  257. 

Chadwick,  P.  E.,  Causes  of  the  Civil  War,  25. 

Chapin,  Col.  A.  R.,  94. 

Charleston  (S.  C.),  63. 

Chattanooga  (Tenn.),  sanitary  agent  at,  243. 

Cherry,  W.  N.,  129. 

Chester,   Rev.  Arthur  T.,   marries,  91. 

Chicago  (111.),  120;  sanitary  commission,  174. 

Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railway,  120. 

Chinese  sugar  cane,  in  Wisconsin,  30,  31. 

Chrystie,   Capt.  Alexander,   73. 

Cincinnati  (Ohio),  59,  120,  127;  Wisconsin  troops  at,  125. 

Clark,   Dr.  R.  B.,  119. 

Cleveland  (Ohio),  conference  of  governors  at,  2. 

Clinton  (Wis.),  Harvey  at,  89,  91. 

Cobb,  Col.  Amasa,  94. 

Colonization,  recommended,  22-25. 

Columbia  County    (Wis.),   Lewis  at,  199. 

Columbus  (Wis.),  Lewis  at,  199. 

Commerce,  in  1863,  153,  154. 

Compromise,  conference  attempts,  45. 

Conference  of  governors,  Randall  at,  2. 

Congressional  Globe,  1863,  153. 

Conkling,  J.  C.,  letter  to,  234. 

Coon,  Col.  S.  Park,  94. 

Corson,  R.  R.,  sanitary  agent,  212. 

Courts,  policy  of  federal,  12,  13,  101,  209;  Dred  Scott  decision,  19;  Wis 
consin  Supreme,  125,  126;  decisions  of,  166,  283,  284;  Second  Judi 
cial  Circuit,  2.  See  also  United  States  and  Wisconsin. 

Crawford  County  Volunteers,  organized,  73. 

Crittenden,    John   J.,    proposes  amendments,   45. 

[307] 


INDEX 

Cumberland,  Army  of,  Wisconsin  troops  in,  214. 
Cutler,  Col.  Lysander,  94. 

DANE  County  (Wis.),  257. 

Daniels,  Col.  E.,  commands  cavalry,  95. 

Davenport,  George  E.,  sanitary  agent,  213. 

Davis,  George  B.,  Military  Laws  of  the  United  States,  4. 

Davis,  Jefferson,  265. 

Dawes,  Capt.  William  J.,  73. 

Democratic  party,  in  1860,  101;  in  1863,  166;  in  1864,  239;  divided,  2; 

member  of,  114,  199. 
Dennet,  Capt.  — ,  73. 

Dennison,   William,   postmaster-general,  3. 
Deserters,  disfranchised,  299. 
De  Soto  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 
Dill,  Col.  Daniel  J.,  at  Camp  Randall,  180,  181. 
Doolittle,  James  R.,  155. 
Doran,  Col.  John  L.,  78,  95. 
Draft,  necessary,   136,  137;   execution   of,  183-189,  217-220;  in   1862, 

159-168;  riots,  115,  147-151,  165,  166,  179,  180,  184,  185. 
Dred  Scott  decision,  19. 
Druecker,  John,  rioter,  166. 
"Dunleith",  Mississippi  steamboat,  90. 

EAU  CLAIRE  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

Education,  report  concerning,  228-230. 

Elliot,  Gen.  W.  L.,  at  Camp  Randall,  166;  letter  to,  181. 

Elmira  (N.  Y.),  Randall  at,  3;  Wisconsin  soldiers,  85. 

Ely,  Capt  George  B.,  52. 

Emancipation  Proclamation,  178,  232-236,  240.     See  also  Lincoln  and 

Slavery. 

England,  policy   of,   235,   236,  261. 
Erie  Canal,  enlargement,  153-155. 
Estee,   Capt.  Stephen,  73. 

PAIRCHILD,  Cassius,  state  agent,  86. 

Fairchild,  Jairus  Cassius,  257. 

Fairchild,  Gov.  Lucius,  inaugural  address,  263-270;    annual  message^ 

first,  271-281;     second   286-294;    third,    295-299;    fourth,   300-302; 

special  messages,  282,  283,  299,  302,  303;   proclamation,   283-285; 

biography,  257;  portrait. 

[308] 


INDEX 

Fairchild,  Sally  Blair,  257. 

Fennimore  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

Finances,  review  of,  155-157,  201-203,  222-224,  260,  272-274,  286, 
295,  296;  recommendations  for,  47,  48,  105,  106,  122,  123;  military 
funds,  93,  174,  175,  189,  190,  255,  256;  war  expenditures,  55,  64- 
69,  74,  75,  80-88,  93,  94,  96,  141-143;  war  bonds,  48,  67,  68,  81- 
84,  93,  105,  106,  110-113,  142,  202,  273.  War  claims,  see  United 
States  and  Wisconsin. 

Finnicum,   Capt.   Mark,   73. 

Fiske,  John,  The  Mississippi  Valley  in  the  Civil  War,  153. 

Fitchburg  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

Flax,  grown  in  Wisconsin,  31. 

Folwell,  W.  W.,  Minnesota,  171. 

Fond  du  Lac  (Wis.),  troops  from,  52;  troops  at  95. 

Ford,  P.  L.,  Writings  of  Thomas  Jefferson,  24. 

Fort  Pillow  (Tenn.),  prison  at,  292. 

Fort  Sumpter,  fall  of,  48,  208,  217. 

Fosdick,  Capt.  John  S.,  120,  128,  129. 

Foster,  Capt.  J.  F.,  73. 

Fox  Lake  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

Fox  and  Wisconsin  River  Improvement,  recommendations  for,  153-155. 

France,  policy  of,  235,  236,  261. 

Franklin,  Benjamin,  attitude  toward  slavery,  237. 

Fugitive  Slave  Law,  enacted,  209;  obstructed,  41,  42.  See  also  Personal 
Liberty  Laws. 

GENESEE  (Wis.),  inhabitant,  107. 

Georgia,  resolution  from,  45. 

Germans,  in  Wisconsin  regiment,  71;  on  negro  suffrage,  284. 

Gettysburg  (Pa.),  Soldiers'  National  Cemetery  at,  214,  215,  245,  246. 

282,  290. 

Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  Fairchild  in,  258. 
Grant,  Gen.  Ulysses  S.,  236;  at  Holly  Springs,  196;  letter  to,  299. 
Grant  County  (Wis.),  troops  from,  52. 
Green,  Capt.  James  H.,  73. 
Greenbush  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 
Greenfield  (Wis.),  post-office  at,  109. 


309] 


INDEX 

HABEAS  corpus,  extended  to  fugitives,  41,  42;  suspended,  166. 

Halleck,  Maj.  Gen.  Henry  W.,  117. 

Halsted,  L.  C.,  state  surgeon,  211. 

Hamilton,  Col.  C.  S.,  94. 

Harpers  Ferry  (Va.),  John  Brown  at,  25;  Wisconsin  troops,  94. 

Harris,  Col.  C.  L.,  94. 

Harrisburg   (Pa.),  Wisconsin  soldiers  at,  85. 

Harvey,  Mrs.  C.  A.  P.,  sanitary  agent,  212-214,  243;  establishes  hos 
pitals,  228;  Orphans'  Home,  278-280;  biography,  91. 

Harvey,  Gov.  Louis  P.,  84;  messages,  first  annual,  92-103;  special, 
103-106,  109-113;  expenditures  of,  189;  letter  to,  106;  death,  90, 
91,  113,  114,  116,  119-121,  127-129;  biography,  89-91. 

Harvey,  J.  S.,  120;  at  Paducah,  124. 

Hastings,  Samuel  D.,  state  treasurer,  85;  letter  from,  106,  107. 

Heg,  Col.  H.  C.,  78,  95. 

Henry,  Patrick,  cited,  234. 

Henry,  W.  W.,  Life  of  Patrick  Henry,  234. 

Hertzberg,  Capt.  E.  F.,  73. 

Hill,  — ,  state  agent,  86. 

Holton,  James,  disbursing  officer,  51,  52,  64;  assistant  quartermaster 
general,  82. 

Holly  Springs  (Miss.),  surrender  of,  196. 

Horicon  (Wis.),  troops  from,  50. 

Hospitals,  northern,  172-174,  214,  241;  Wisconsin  wounded  in,  182, 
227,  228,  243,  244. 

Howe,  Col.  Frank  E.,  sanitary  agent,  212,  213. 

Hubbell,  Judge  Levi,  resigns,  2. 

Hurlbut,  Edwin,  sanitary  agent,  86. 

Hum,  Ethel  A.,  Wisconsin  Women  in  the  War,  214,  228,  280. 

Hyde,  Lieut.  — ,  73. 

ILLINOIS,  resolution  from,  45;  quota,  61;  Agricultural  Society,  154. 

Illinois  Central  Railroad  Company,  letter  from,  154. 

Ilsley,  Charles  L.,  aids  Orphans'  Home,  278,  279. 

Imphee,  in  Wisconsin,  30,  31. 

Indians,  cause  massacre,  137-139;   panic,  138,  139,  146,  170,   171;  in 

Wisconsin,  230,  231. 

Indiana,   resolution   from,   45;   29th   Infantry,  120,   128,   129. 
Invalid  Corps,  Wisconsin  troops  in,  204. 

[310] 


INDEX 

Iowa,  congressman,  155. 

Irish,  in  Wisconsin  regiment,  78,  95. 

Iron  Brigade,  record,  170;  Wisconsin  troops  in,  258. 

JACKSON,  Andrew,  cited,  236. 

James,  R.  G.,  state  surgeon,  211. 

Janesville   (Wis.),  troops  from,  52,  73;  troops  at,  95. 

"January",  Mississippi  steamboat,  90. 

Jefferson,  Thomas,  cited,  23,  24,  38,  237. 

Johnson,  Pres.  Andrew,  271;  appoints  Randall,  3;  proclamation,  253. 

Johnston,  Alexander,  "Personal  Liberty  Laws",  in  J.  J.  Lalor,  Cyclo- 

poedia  of  Political  Science,  41. 
Jones,  E.  L.,  sanitary  agent,  243. 

KANSAS,  slavery  question  in,  8-11,  25. 

Kansas-Nebraska  Act,  enacted,  8. 

Kemp,  Nicholas,  rioter,  166. 

Kenosha  (Wis.),  troops  from,  50;  Harvey  at,  89. 

Keokuk  (Iowa),  relief  expedition  to,  124;  sanitary  agent  at,  213,  243. 

Kingston  Guards,  organized,  73. 

LA  CROSSE  (Wis.),  troops  from,  52,  73. 

La  Crosse  and  Milwaukee  Railroad  Company,  bribes  legislature,  .46. 

"Lady  Pike",  Mississippi  steamboat,  120,  127,  128. 

La  Fayette,  Marquis  de,  cited,  237. 

Lambert,  — ,  invents  tourniquet,  195. 

Lamott,  Capt.  — ,  mustering  officer,  130. 

Lancaster   (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

Lee,  Gen.  Robert  E.,  in  Maryland,  135;  surrenders,  246-249. 

Lewis,  Eleanor  Robertson,  199. 

Lewis,  Gov.  James  T.,  military  vote  for,  208;  annual  messages,  201-211, 
221-239;  special  messages,  144,  145,  211-215,  240-244,  255,  256; 
proclamations,  216-220,  224,  248-254;  farewell  address,  260-263; 
letter  from,  278,  279;  letter  to,  107-109;  biography,  199. 

Lewis,  Shubael,  199. 

Lincoln,  Pres.  Abraham,  3,  60;  vote  for,  239;  elected,  39-41,  57;  com 
munications  to,  46,  174,  195,  196;  calls  for  troops,  48,  50,  54,  80,  84, 
117,  126,  135,  136,  158,  159,  185,  257;  administration,  177-179; 


INDEX 

Lincoln  (continued) — 

appointments,  98,  99,  175;  policy,  101,  102,  131;  suspends  habeas 
corpus,  166;  proclamations,  148,  149,  165,  166,  188;  Emancipation 
Proclamation,  232-236,  240;  assassinated,  249,  271. 

Lodge,  H.  C.,  The  Federalist,  12,  37. 

Louisville  (Ky.),  Wisconsin  troops  at,  94;  sanitary  agent,  243. 

Lovell,  Col.  Charles  S.,  provost  marshal  general,  219. 

Low,  Jacob,  sanitary  agent,  213. 

Lowell,  James  Russell,  Fairchild  succeeds,  258. 

Loyal  Legion,  Fairchild  in,  258. 

LAKES:  Erie,  154;  Superior,  iron  near,  100. 

Me  KEE,  Capt.  David,  52. 

Me  Pherson,  E.,  History  of  the  Rebellion,  45. 

Madison  (Wis.),  2,  52,  53,  90;  troops  from,  50,  52;  Fairchild  at,  257; 
hospital  at,  228;  cemetery,  91;  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home,  279; 
State  Journal,  182. 

Maloney,  Col.  M.,  94. 

Manitowoc  (Wis.),  Salomon  at,  114. 

Manitowoc  County  (Wis.),  draft  in,  162,  163,  168. 

Marshall,  Samuel,  aids  Orphans'  Home,  278,  279,  287,  288. 

Maryland,  resolutions  from,  131;  Lee  in,  135,  143. 

Massachusetts,   resolution  from,  45. 

Mellen,  William  P.,  120,  121;  letter  from,  129. 

Memphis  (Tenn.),  sanitary  agent  at,  212,  213;  Mrs.  Harvey,  243; 
massacre,  292. 

"Merrimac",  sunk,  194. 

Michigan,  resolution  from,  45.     . 

Militia,  organized,  2;  condition,  15,  224,  225;  recommendations  relating 
to,  4,  5,  27-30,  32,  136-139,  170,  171,  275,  297;  Lewis  in,  199;  Gover 
nor's  Guard,  257;  law,  amended,  203,  205,  224;  vetoed,  132-134. 

Miller,  Andrew,  108. 

Mills,  Simeon,  paymaster  general,  65-67,  93. 

Milwaukee  (Wis.),  51,  52,  64-66,  82,  109,  120;  troops  from,  50,  73; 
troops  at,  95;  military  camp,  71,  94;  naval  depot,  100;  hospital,  228; 
Soldiers'  Home,  245;  Second  Judicial  Circuit,  2;  Salomon  at,  114. 

Milwaukee  County  (Wis.),  divided,  1;  draft  riot,  115,  149-151. 

Milwaukee  and  Prairie  du  Chien  Railway,  120. 

Mineral  Point   (Wis.),  troops  from,  52. 

Miners,  furnish  troops,  52. 


INDEX 

"Minnehaha",  Mississippi  steamboat,  90. 

Minnesota,  resolution  from,  45;  Indian  massacre  in,  137-139,  171,  230, 

Mississippi,  Army  of,  Wisconsin  soldiers  in,  124. 

Missouri,  59;  Wisconsin  troops  in,  95. 

Missouri  Compromise,  repealed,  7,  8,  11,  25,  209. 

Monroe  County  Bank,  93. 

Mound  City   (Kans.),  sanitary  agent  at,  243. 

Murphy,   Col.  R.  C.,  94;   dismissed,  195,  196. 

NASHVILLE  (Tenn.),  sanitary  agent  at,  212,  214,  243. 

Nebel,  Elise,  marries,  114. 

Neenah  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

Negroes,  free,  20-22,  24,  41,  42,  266,  267;  in  Union  army,  236;  popu 
lation,  16,  21.  See  also  Suffrage  and  Slavery. 

New  Jersey,  resolution  from,  45. 

New  London  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

New  Orleans  (La.),  236;  sanitary  agent  at,  213;  Mrs.  Harvey,  243; 
massacre,  292. 

New  York  (City),  Wisconsin  troops  at,  125;  sanitary  agent,  173,  212, 
213;  draft  in,  183. 

New  York   (State),  resolution  from,  45;  bounties,  159. 

Nicolay,  J.  G.  and  Hay,  J.,  Works  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  148. 

Noble,  Lieut.  Gov.  Butler  G.,  special  message,  47;  proclamation,  78,  79. 

Norfolk  (Va.),  194. 

North  Carolina,  letter  from,  46. 

O'CONNOR,  Col.  Edgar,  at  Gainesville,  258. 

Ohio,  resolution  from,  45. 

Orff,  Capt.  Henry,  73. 

Orphans'  Home,  soldiers',  established,  227,  278-281,  287-289;  conduct 

of,  296,  300,  301. 
Oshkosh   (Wis.),  troops  from,  52. 
Ostrander,  D.,  sanitary  agent,  243. 
Oxford  (Wis.),  inhabitant,  108. 
Ozaukee  County  (Wis.),  draft  riot  in,  115,  147,  148,  150,  152,  165,  166, 

179,  180,  184,  185. 

PADUCAH  (Ky.),  128;  sanitary  agent  at,  243. 
Paine,  Col.  Halbert  E.,  94;  disbursing  officer,  52. 

[  313  ] 


INDEX 

Paxson,  Frederic  L.,  The  Last  American  Frontier,  137. 

Peace,  conference  attempts,  45.     See  also  Compromise. 

Pennsylvania,   resolution   from,   45. 

Pensions,  United  States,  192,  193,  204. 

Perkins,  Capt.  John  E.,  73. 

Perrine,  Cordelia  A.,  marries,  89. 

Perry,  Capt.  Charles,  73. 

Personal  Liberty  Laws,  upheld,  41,  42. 

Philadelphia  (Pa.),  draft  in,  183;  sanitary  agent  at,  173,  212,  214,  243. 

Pittsburg  (Ohio),  59. 

Pittsburg  Landing  (Tenn.),  Harvey  at,  90,  128;  Wisconsin  troops,  124. 

Polleys,  J.  W.,  82. 

Pors,  William  A.,  violence  to,  147,  148;  petition  from,  184,  185. 

Portage  (Wis.),  troops  from,  52,  73. 

Portage  County.     See  Columbia  County. 

Potomac,  Army  of,  Wisconsin  troops  in,  258. 

Prairieville.     See  Waukesha. 

Prairieville  Academy.  See  Carroll  College. 

Prairie  du  Chien  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73;  hospital  at,  228. 

Prairie  du  Sac  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 

QUENTIN,  Charles,  death,  121. 

Quincy  (111.),  sanitary  agent  at,  213. 

Quiner,  E.  B.,  Military  History  of  Wisconsin,  148,  150. 

RACIXE  (Wis.),  119;  troops  from,  52;  troops  at,  95. 

Randall,  Gov.  Alexander  W.,  appointments,  103,  257;  appropriation 
to,  93;  annual  messages,  4-26,  29-44;  special  messages,  27,  28, 
45-48,  53-74,  80-88;  proclamations,  48-53,  74-78;  biography,  1-3. 

Randall,  Phineas,  1. 

Randall,  Sarah  Beach,  1. 

Randolph,  Lieut.  Julius  F.,  52. 

Rayner,  B.  L.,  Life  and  Writings  of  Thomas  Jefferson,  23. 

Rebellion  Records,  49,  136,  204,  234. 

Reconstruction,  programme  for,  262-270,  291-294,  297-299,  301,  302. 

Republican  party,  in  1858-59,  2;  1860,  101;  1861-63,  90,  114,  200,  208; 
1864,  239. 

Rhodes,  J.  F.,  United  States,  5,  7,  11,  20,  25,  236,  297. 

[314] 


JNbEX 

Richardson,  J.  D.,  Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,  48. 
Richmond  (Va.),  fall  of,  248. 
Riddell,  G.,  state  surgeon,  211. 
RIVEKS: 

Fox,  U.  S.  armory  on,  100. 

Hudson,  154. 

Mississippi,  59,  60,  154;  opening  of,  153. 

Ohio,  59. 

Tennessee,  127;  accident  on,  113,  116,  119;  Wisconsin  soldiers  on,  124. 
Rock  County   (Wis.),  delegate  from,  89. 
Robbins,  J.  V.,  claim  of,  194. 
Rome,  Randall  at,  3. 

Rourke,  Capt.  John,  furnishes  escort,  120. 
Ruggles,  Gen.  George  D.,  letters  from,  130. 
Russia,  frees  serfs,  22. 

ST.  DOMINGO,  revolution  in,  24. 

St.  Louis  (Mo.),  59;  Wisconsin  troops  at,  94,  105,  125;  sanitary  agent, 

212,  213,  243;  Sanitary  Commission,  174. 
Salisbury  (N.  C.),  prison  at,  292. 
Salomon,  Charles,  114. 
Salomon,  Christopher,  114. 
Salomon,  Dorothea  (Klussman),  111. 
Salomon,  Gov.  Edward,  letter  to,  103,  127;  letter  from,  212;  contingent 

fund,   255;    annual   message,    152-179;   special    message,    119-127, 

130-143,  179-185,  189-196;  proclamations,  116-118,  146-151,  185- 

189,  197,  198;    suit  against,  166;  biography,  141. 
Salomon,  Col.  Frederick,  94,  114. 

Sanborn,  J.  B.,  "Story  of  the  Fox- Wisconsin  Improvement",  151. 
Sanders,  Col.  Horace  T.,  95;  sanitary  agent,  83. 
Sanitary  agents,  84-88,  91,  97,  103,  120,  124,  172-174,  181,  182,  212-214, 

227,  242-244. 

Savannah  (Tenn.),  129;  Harvey  at,  90,  113,  119,  127,  128. 
Scandinavians,  in  Wisconsin  regiment,  78,  95. 
Schurz,  Carl,  statesman,  2. 

Secession,  26,  32-45,  56,  101,  208-210;  defeated,  264,  265,  26S. 
Selleck,  W.  Y.,  sanitary  agent,  212,  213;  report  of,  214,  245,  246,  .282. 
Seward,  William  H.,  letter  from,  302. 
Shanran,  Mrs.  Mary,  109. 

[315] 


INDEX 

Shaw,  — ,  107. 

Sheboygan  County  Independents,  organized,  73. 

Sherman,  Gen.  William  T.,  Memoirs,  118. 

Sholes,  C.  L.,  state  agent,  103. 

Shopiere  (Wis.),  Harvey  at,  89». 

Singleton,  — ,  recovers  Harvey's  body,  120,  128,  129. 

Sioux.     See  Indians. 

Slavery,  agitated,  2;  review  of,  5-26,  209,  210,  261-233;  causes  war, 

39-13,   102,  103;   Emancipation   Proclamation,  178,   232-239,   210; 

abolition,  240,  241,  252,  265,  266,  268,  269.     See  also  Colonization, 

and  Negroes. 

Slave  trade,  reopened,  19,  20. 
Smith,   George   C.,  sanitary  agent,   212,   213. 
Smith,  Perry  H.,  120. 
Smith,  T.  C.,  Parties  and  Slavery,  5. 
Soldiers'  Home,  established,  244,  245. 
South  Carolina,  secedes,  43. 
Southport.     See  Kenosha. 
Southport  Academy,  Harvey  at,  89. 
Southport  American,  editor,  89. 
Sparks,  Jared,  letter  to,  24. 
Spring,  L.  W.,  Kansas,  11. 

Stanton,  Edwin  M.,  secretary  of  war,  138;  policy,  140. 
Starkweather,  Col.  J.  C.,  at  Falling  Waters,  94. 
State  agents.     See  Sanitary  agents. 
States  rights,  Randall  discusses,  5-13,  16-19,  32-44. 
Stephens,  Alexander  H.,  cited,  236. 
Stevens,  Rev.  J.  D.,  sanitary  agent,  213. 
Sturges,  George  W.,  sanitary  agent,  212,  213,  243. 
Sturges,  Orlina  M.,  marries,  199. 
Suffrage,  abuse  of,  206;  foreign,  284;  negro,  1,  253,  254,  266,  267,  283- 

285,  302,  303;  soldiers',  140,  141,  208,  230,  239. 
Sugar,  in  Wisconsin,  30,  31. 
Sugar  River  Rifles,  organized,  73. 
Sullivan,  Patrick,  memorial  from,  131. 
Swift,  Medical  Director  Eben,  letter  from,  241. 

TARIFF,  reduction  of,  209. 

Taxation,  federal,  97-99,  155,  156;  state,  156,  157.  273,  274. 

[316] 


INDEX 

Tennessee,  resolution  from,  45;  Harvey  in,  120;  Wisconsin  troops,  116; 

accepts  amendment,  292. 
Territories,  slavery  in,  6-10,  17-19,  39-41. 
Texas,  resolution  from,  45. 
Thomas,  Helen  M.,  married,  3. 
Thwaites,  Reuben  G.,  Wisconsin,  171,  231. 
Tourniquets,  for  wounded,  195. 
Trakat,  Julius,  volunteer,  108. 
Trakat,  J.  H.,  letter  from,  108. 
Trakat,  Mary  J.,  relief  for,  107. 
Trowbridge,  Capt  J.  M.,  mustering  officer,  130. 

UNION  party,  in  1861,  90;  1861-63,  200;  1863,  258. 

United  States,  100;  taxes,  97-99,  155-156;  war  claim  against,  93,  98, 
109,  110,  141,  142,  155,  156,  176,  184,  185,  202,  203,  223,  224,  272, 
273,  287,  295,  296,  300;  cession  from,  279,  280;  Constitution 
amended,  45,  47,  240,  241,  266,  268,  290,  291,  302,  303;  Supreme 
Court,  13,  19,  209;  16th  Infantry,  257. 

VAN  DEUTSCH,  Capt.  Gustav,  commands  cavalry,  95;  aid  for,  74,  75. 

Van  Dor,   Col.  Joseph,  94. 

Van  Dora,  Gen.  Earl,  surprises  Holly  Springs,  196. 

Van  Vechten,  Mary  C.,  married,  1. 

Vicksburg  (Miss.),  Mrs.  Harvey  at,  212. 

Virginia,  divided,  9;  slavery  in,  16;  resolution  from,  45. 

Volunteers,  from  Wisconsin,  48-50,  52,  54,  61,  74,  75,  78,  94-96,  117, 
118,  126,  140,  143,  158-170,  186-189,  203,  204,  225,  226,  260,  264, 
275,  276;  suits  against,  190,  191;  aid  for  dependent  families,  74, 
75,  93,  97,  104-109,  126,  141,  142,  144,  145,  156,  157,  192,  193,  2~02, 
204,  205,  222,  228,  273,  282;  thanks  to,  251,  252;  brevets  for,  289. 
See  also  Wisconsin. 

WADSWORTH,  Commissary  Gen.  E.  R.,  82;  sanitary  agent,  124. 

Walker,  Capt.  William,  120,  128. 

Washburn,  Col.  Cadwallader  C.,  95,  130. 

Washington,  George,  236,  237. 

Washington  (D.  C.),  capital,  139,  142,  143,  272,  287;  peace  conference 

at,  45;   endangered,  135;  Wisconsin  troops  at,  94;   sanitary  agent, 

173,  212,  214,  243. 

[317] 


INDEX 

Waterloo  (Wis.),  troops  from,  73. 
Waterloo.     See  Shopiere. 
Watsoii,  W.  H.,  private  secretary,  84. 
Waukesha  (Wis.),  Randalls  at,  1;  Assembly  district,  2. 
Waukesha  County    (Wis.),   organized,  1;   inhabitants,  107. 
Wesley,   John,  cited,  237. 
West  Bend  (Wis.),  inhabitant,  107. 
Wheeler,  Capt.  Calvin  J.,  73. 
Whig,  party,  2;  paper,  89. 

Whipple,  Lieut.  Col.  Charles,  presents  memento,  194. 
Winslow,  J.  B.,  Story  of  a  Great  Court,  13,  166,  284. 
Wisconsin,  organized,  9;  first  constitutional  convention,  1,  284;  second 
constitutional   convention,   89,    199;    constitution,   9,   27;    Supreme 
Court,  13,  125,  126,  166,  283,  284;  war  policy,  118;  women  in  war, 
51,  52,  227;    war   claims  against,    130,    131,   194;    state   fair,   245; 
regiments,  1st  Infantry  49,  50,  54,  55,  65,  66,  93,  94,  109,  257;  2nd 
Infantry,  52,  65,  66,  94,  257,  258;  3rd  Infantry,   65,  66,  94;   4th 
Infantry,  65,  66,  94;  5th  Infantry,  94;   6th  Infantry,  94;  7th  In 
fantry,  94;  8th  Infantry,  94,  195;  9th  Infantry,  95,  108;  10th  In 
fantry,  94,  108;  llth  Infantry,  94;  12th  Infantry,  95;  13th  Infantry, 
95;  14th  Infantry,  95,  105;  15th  Infantry,  78,  95,  105;   16th  In 
fantry,  78,  95,  105;  17th  Infantry,  78,  95;  18th  Infantry,  78,  95; 
19th  Infantry,  95,  131,  194;  20th  Infantry,  117,  126,  161;  25th  In 
fantry,  180;  27th  Infantry,  161,  183;  30th  Infantry,  180;  31st  In 
fantry,  161,  183;  35th  Infantry,  186,  187;  1st  Cavalry,  95,  130;  2nd 
Cavalry,  95,  130;  3rd  Cavalry,  95,  130;  5th  Battery,  211;  7th  Bat 
tery,  211;  10th  Battery,  211;  llth  Battery,  120;  Assembly  Journal, 
1858,  4;  1860,  28;  1861,  46;  1864,  211,  214;  1866,  283;  1868,  299; 
Senate  Journal,  1858,  4,  5;   1860,  20,  27;   1861,  46,  48;  1862,  42,  67, 
68,  83,  84,  103;  1863,  180,  181;  1864,  212;   1865,  241;  Messages  and 
Documents,  93;    1862,   68;    1863,   171;   1865,  225;    1866,  275;    1867, 
290;   1868,  295,  297;  Executive  Register,  116;   Legislative  Manual, 
140;   General  Laws,  1849,  284;   1851,  4;  1857,  4;   1858,  4;   1861,  46, 
48,  54,  80,  93;  1861,  extra  session,  62,  64,  67,  68,  83,  93;  1862,  42, 
97,  99,  100,  106,  109,  113,  123,  126,  171;  1862,  extra  session,  140, 
142-144,  230;  1863,  155,  157,  162,  165,  174-176,  185,  190,  193-195, 
203,  223,  224,  228,  230;  1864,  203,  205,  206,  224;  1865,  224,  226-228, 
230,  243,  267;  1866,  157,  206,  275,  280;  1867,  287;  1868,  295;  1874. 
301;  Private  Laivs,  1865,  245;  Revised  Statutes.  1849,  13;  1858,  4, 

[318] 


INDEX 

Wisconsin  (continued)  — 

27,    42,    162;     Agricultural    Society    Transactions,    31.     See    also, 

Finance,  Militia,  United  States,  Volunteers. 
Wisconsin  Aid  Society,  at  Washington,  173. 
Wisconsin  Historical  Society,   259;   organized,   199. 
Wisconsin  University,  2,  200,  259;  regents,  90,  114,  115;  in  1862,  157; 

land  grant,  205,  206;  buildings  for,  301;   Report  of  Regents,  1862, 

157. 

Wolcott,  E.  B.,  state  agent,  124;  surgeon  general,  120,  211. 

Wolf  River  Rifles,  organized,  73. 

Women  in  war.    See  Wisconsin. 

Wood,  Col.  D.  E.,  95. 

Worthington,  D.,  279. 

Wounded  and  sick,  90,  116,  123-125,  171-174,  256,  296.     See  also  Sani 
tary  agents  and  Hospitals. 

YORK  (Pa.),  sanitary  agent  at,  243. 
Young,  Capt.  William  C.,  73. 


[3*9 


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